Disaster assistance for storm-damaged communities

Disaster assistance is now available in Augusta-Margaret River, Ashburton, Busselton, Capel, Dardanup, Donnybrook-Balingup, Greater Geraldton, Harvey and Irwin to help communities recover after severe storms in May 2020.

Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud and Acting Western Australian Minister for Emergency Services Stephen Dawson announced today that assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

“Heavy rain and strong winds across Perth and Western Australia’s South West in early May and a severe storm that affected coastal communities from Onslow to Margaret River on the tail end of Cyclone Mangga in late May caused damage to infrastructure in these communities,” Minister Littleproud said.

“This assistance will help the community back on its feet as quickly as possible. We will continue to monitor the impacts of these events and are ready to extend disaster assistance to communities if needed.”

“This storm had a significant effect on several communities, with the estimated damage cost so far over $4,280,000,” Minister Dawson said.

“State Emergency Service volunteers responded to more than 1170 requests for assistance and over 100,000 homes lost power.

“Through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, the cost of the clean-up and repairs to critical infrastructure will be covered without financial implications for local governments and their ratepayers,” said Minister Dawson.

Information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at
disasterassist.gov.au

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