Help available for Cyclone Seroja devastated communities

  • More than $10 million in State Government grants and waivers provided to cyclone affected communities to date
  • Applications still open for $4,000 grants for eligible residents and business owners
  • Crisis accommodation and emergency support available for impacted people 
  • The State Government has approved around $10 million of assistance and support for residents affected by Cyclone Seroja to date, with support programs still open and crisis accommodation options available.

    Impacted residents and businesses are encouraged to take advantage of the financial support payments and services on offer.

    The State and Federal governments are currently finalising a further package to support the next stage of the recovery and rebuild.

    To date, impacted residents have been able to access a number of support and assistance programs, with millions of dollars of funding approved so far, including:

    • $2.3 million through the small business and individual $4,000 grants program;
    • $2.3 million through the Department of Communities’ emergency assistance program;
    • $2.2 million in Water Corporation service waivers;
    • $3.1 million in State Government electricity relief grants; and
    • $220,000 in tourism marketing support to attract travellers back to the Coral Coast. 

    Small business and individual support grants of $4,000 are still available to people across 16 local government areas whose homes were severely damaged or destroyed, or whose businesses suffered financially as a result of the cyclone.

    Individuals whose homes were destroyed or severely damaged can apply through https://agric.smartygrants.com.au/Residential_relief

    Small businesses who suffered financial hardship as a result of Cyclone Seroja can apply through https://www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au/seroja

    Eligible businesses include small retailers, tourism businesses and hospitality venues.

    Applications for both the individual and business $4,000 grants are open until June 30, with impacted people urged to take advantage of the program while it remains open.

    Anybody requiring assistance – including crisis accommodation – can contact the Department of Communities’ Disaster Response Hotline, 24 hours a day on 1800 032 965.

    As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:

    “The scale of the destruction throughout the massive disaster area is heartbreaking, and there is no doubt the recovery and rebuild is going to be a long, difficult process.

    “In the immediate term help is available for those who need it, with the State Government continuing to offer a range of financial relief packages and on-the-ground support.

    “We are continuing to work with the Federal Government on the next stage of the recovery and rebuild, with further support on the way.”

    As stated by Emergency Services Minister Reece Whitby:

    “We know people in these Mid-West communities are resilient, but help is available for those who need it, with around $10 million in State Government support approved so far.

    “There is no need for anyone to be without a proper roof over their head. There are temporary accommodation options available and we encourage people to make use of them by contacting the 24-hour hotline.

    “$4,000 payments for individuals and businesses impacted by Cyclone Seroja are available until June 30 and I urge eligible residents who haven’t yet applied to do so.

    “There is a long, tough road ahead, but everyone impacted by this devastating event can be assured that we will see the recovery effort through to ensure these communities recover, stronger than ever.”

    /Public Release. View in full here.