The McGowan Government today announced that residents and communities impacted by Cyclone Seroja will have an extra year to complete eligible restoration, repair and resilience works under the four recovery grant programs.
The programs, including the Recovery and Resilience Grants, Small Business Recovery Grant, Primary Producer Recovery Grant and the Cultural and Heritage Asset Clean-up and Repair Grant, were initially introduced in 2021 to support the Mid-West community in their recovery from Cyclone Seroja.
The 12-month extension means grant applicants now have until 30 June 2023 to submit an initial grant application and 30 June 2024 to have eligible works completed.
Additionally, applicants for the Recovery and Resilience Grants can now have the reimbursement grant paid directly to their builder or supplier on completion of works. This change in the grant process means the applicants no longer need to pay for the work out of their own pocket.
The extension of the grant programs, which are jointly funded through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, has been achieved through collaboration with the Federal Labor Government.
Impacted community members wanting to know more about recovery assistance can do so by visiting their local recovery hub, calling 1800 490 678 or visiting the Cyclone Seroja recovery webpage at https://www.emergency.wa.gov.au/recovery
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
“The McGowan Government understands that recovery is an individual journey and extending the deadline for completion of eligible works will further support grant applicants.
“Recovery from any natural disaster is a complex, personal journey for those affected. Expecting people to progress at the same pace is unrealistic and requires the support from government and recovery agencies.
“The extension to the work completion date reduces the stress caused by insurance claims, supply chain issues and skilled labour shortages and provides a more realistic time frame for recovery to progress.
“This decision is another example of how the McGowan Government is listening to the communities impacted by natural disasters and helping them with practical solutions to assist individuals and local governments rebuild.”
Important dates for recovery grant programs:
Recovery and Resilience Grants Program
Grant application submission closes 30 June 2023
Completion of eligible works by 30 June 2024
Small Business Recovery Grant
Grant application submission closes 30 June 2023
Completion of eligible repair and clean-up works by 30 June 2024
Cultural and Heritage Asset Clean-up and Repair Grant Program
Grant application submission closes 30 June 2023
Completion of eligible repair works by 30 June 2024
Primary Producer Recovery Grant
Grant application submission closes 30 June 2023
Completion of eligible repair works by 30 June 2024
