An additional $2.2 million assistance package is provided by the Government to residents and businesses that are recovering from Cyclone Seroja. 

“Our early focus has been meeting the immediate needs of residents, making communities safe and reopening towns,” Emergency Services and Small Business Minister Reece Whitby said. 

“This assistance package will help the hardest-hit residents and businesses as we move into the next phase of the recovery and onto the rebuild.” 

Cyclone Seroja made landfall last April 11, damaging hundreds of homes and businesses within the Mid-West and Wheatbelt regions of Western Australia. 

The WA Government has made $4,000 payments available for over 360 residents whose homes have been destroyed or damaged to aid in the recovery efforts. 

“My heart goes out to all of those affected by Cyclone Seroja. We have a long road ahead but these payments will provide some relief as we work to assess the damage and plan the rebuild,” Premier Mark McGowan said. 

Small businesses will also be eligible for $4,000 payments. This will include small retailers, tourism businesses and hospitality venues that received great damage from the cyclone. Over 200 businesses are expected to receive assistance.

“Small businesses in the region have been doing it tough and I thank them for their patience. The road to recovery will take some time but we will continue to do all we can to support everyone affected,” Minister Whitby said. 

The WA Government also contributed $2 million to the Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund Appeal to support those affected by Cyclone Seroja. 

“Parts of Greater Geraldton were among some of the hardest hit by Cyclone Seroja – and these payments will provide important local support as we continue to clean up and plot the path to recovery,” Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton said. 

“The McGowan Government is committed to seeing the recovery effort through, with this additional funding complementing the significant work already underway to support individuals, businesses and communities.” 

While State-Commonwealth Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements progress and authorities continue with the clean-up efforts, the implemented program will continue to provide assistance. 

“While there will be more financial support for impacted communities under State-Commonwealth funding arrangements, this program will provide important interim targeted assistance,” Premier McGowan said. 

“I’d like to thank all those involved in the mammoth clean-up effort. This hard work ensured impacted areas could reopen as quickly and as safely as possible, to reconnect communities and get businesses back on their feet.” 

The $2.2 million assistance package was implemented alongside the WA Government’s electricity and water financial relief packages and crisis support from the Department of Communities. 

Eliza Sayon

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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.

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