The Tasmanian and Commonwealth governments have announced $9.9 million in joint funding for bushfire-affected communities in the Central Highlands, after the region was ravaged in the summer months.
Premier Will Hodgman and Emergency Services Minister Michael Ferguson were joined by Tasmanian Liberal Senator Richard Colbeck at Miena on Saturday at the first 'thank you' day to make the announcement and to extend their gratitude to the local community for its support of government agencies during a difficult period.
Senator Colbeck noted that the bushfires struck during "the peak of tourism season".
"This is a joint package ... [that will] assist marketing for tourism, small business to help them recover and also community facilities that were damaged during the bushfires," he said.
Senator Colbeck said this may not be the last of the funding on its way for fire-affected communities in Tasmania.
"The total amount that goes to the bushfires is still unknown because we're still working through that process," he said. "We don't know the full impact of the fires yet."
"There are still fires that are alight and being managed. So the total funding that goes to the management of the bushfires probably won't be known for some months yet because we're still not through the process of assessment of the damage that's been done."
Mr Hodgman said the 'thank you' day represented a chance to recognise the local community.
"This community was seriously impacted by the fires. And the place we're in today came perilously close to losing more property," he said.
Another 'thank you' day will be held at Westerway from 12-3pm on Saturday, April 27. Like the Miena event, it will include a free BBQ, children's activities, live music and entertainment for all ages.
