Residents and businesses impacted by Cyclone Seroja will soon be able to access an additional $2.2 million State Government assistance package to provide targeted support as recovery efforts continue.
The program will provide assistance while State-Commonwealth Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements are progressing and authorities continue with clean-up efforts.
Cyclone Seroja left a trail of destruction through the Mid-West and Wheatbelt regions when it made landfall on April 11, damaging hundreds of homes and businesses.
To assist with recovery efforts, the McGowan Government is making $4,000 payments available to around 360 residents who either lost their homes or received significant damage.
Small businesses which suffered financially in the weeks following the disaster will also be eligible for $4,000 payments, including:
- small retailers such as specialty shops, hairdressers and bakeries;
- tourism businesses including tour operators and fishing boat charters; and
- hospitality venues including accommodation providers, cafés, restaurants and pubs.
An estimated 200 businesses – and potentially more – are expected to receive the assistance, particularly in the Shire of Northampton. Further details on the application process will be available shortly.
Recovery efforts are well underway in the areas impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Seroja, with the State Recovery Controller and State Recovery Coordination Group assisting and supporting communities.
This assistance package is in addition to the McGowan Government’s electricity and water financial relief packages and crisis support from the Department of Communities.
The State Government also contributed $2 million to the Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund Appeal to support those affected by Cyclone Seroja.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“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.
“While there will be more financial support for impacted communities under State-Commonwealth funding arrangements, this program will provide important interim targeted assistance.
“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.”
As stated by Emergency Services and Small Business Minister Reece Whitby:
“Our early focus has been meeting the immediate needs of residents, making communities safe and reopening towns.
“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.
“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.”
As stated by Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton:
“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.
“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.”
