Disaster assistance has been activated in response to the tropical low and associated flooding that affected the Kimberley and East Pilbara in late January 2018.
Assistance is being provided through the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).
Minister for Law Enforcement and Cybersecurity Angus Taylor, who has responsibility for disaster assistance, said the tropical low that moved over the Kimberley and East Pilbara regions in late January had affected a large number of roads with flooding.
“The low brought with it heavy rainfall and strong winds in excess of 100km/h,” Mr Taylor said.
“Some communities were left isolated and many of these roads had also suffered previous damage from the recent tropical cyclones Hilda and Joyce.
“This activation of the NDRRA will ensure funding is available to help affected communities and restore damaged public infrastructure, such as roads.”
Western Australian Emergency Services Minister Fran Logan said that the Commonwealth and Western Australian governments were committed to working together on disaster recovery.
“In response to this event, disaster assistance has been activated in the five local government areas of Broome, Halls Creek, Derby-West Kimberley, Wyndham-East Kimberley and East Pilbara,” Mr Logan said.
“The assistance will support eligible people, small businesses and primary producers with their recovery.
“It will also ensure funding is available for clean-up and debris removal activities.”
Assistance available under the NDRRA may include:
- personal hardship and distress assistance for affected individuals and families
- financial support for affected communities, local governments and state agencies to help with the removal of debris, demolition and rebuilding, counter disaster operations, as well as the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets
- interest rate subsidies for small businesses and primary producers, and
- freight subsidies for primary producers.
The assistance available for this event is divided into categories. For further information, visit: www.oem.wa.gov.au/funding/wandrra
People suffering personal hardship and distress as a result of this event should call the disaster response hotline on 1800 032 965.
Information on disaster assistance available for natural disasters can be found on the Commonwealth Government’s website at www.disasterassist.gov.au