WA communities receive largest disaster recovery package
Share
Western Australian communities are set to receive a record $104 million disaster recovery package for recovery and rebuilding after being devastated by Severe Tropical Cyclone Seroja.
The $104 million recovery package was jointly funded by the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). It is expected to support the continued recovery efforts across disaster-affected communities in 16 local government areas.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Australian Government continues to stand with those affected by Severe Tropical Cyclone Seroja by providing the $104 million recovery package.
“We’re there each step of the way, ensuring cyclone-affected communities in Western Australia can rebuild,” Prime Minister Morrison said.
“These communities will continue to get the support they need, that’s the commitment we’re making today with this more than $100 million investment to help them build back stronger than ever before.”
Premier Mark McGowan said the package will provide the support needed for the communities’ long recovery and rebuilding efforts.
“I would like to assure those impacted by this disaster that the State Government will see these efforts through for as long as it takes,” Premier McGowan said.
“My Government will continue to work closely with each and every community on their rebuilding efforts to make sure together we recover – stronger than ever.”
Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience Bridget McKenzie said the size of this recovery package highlights the destruction Cyclone Seroja left in its wake.
“The extent of damage across an area of 133,000 kms within 16 local government areas in the Mid-West, Gascoyne and Wheatbelt regions has never before been seen in Western Australia,” Minister McKenzie said.
“The affected local governments and their communities face a challenging and prolonged road ahead and the Australian Government is here to support them in their long-term recovery efforts.”
The WA Government has been working closely with local communities to determine their needs for the next stage of the recovery and rebuild.
Minister for Emergency Services Reece Whitby said the state government’s priority was ensuring the best possible community-led recovery and supporting individuals and businesses as they recover.
The $104 million recovery package was developed to provide tailored recovery initiatives. The package includes the following:
- Financial support for the clean-up and restoration of damaged community, recreational, cultural and heritage assets
- Funding for a community welfare and outreach program
- Grant programs to help residents, primary producers and small businesses with clean-up and repair
The recovery package adds to support already being provided by the WA and Commonwealth governments under the DRFA.
“We know these communities are resilient and we will continue to work with them in the coming months and years as they rebuild,” Minister Whitby said.
SOURCE: PRIME MINISTER’S MEDIA RELEASE
Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.
