- Western Australia to receive $93 million to better support disaster-impacted local governments
- Part of the Commonwealth Government's $1.8 billion commitment to fast-track disaster recovery payments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements
- Decision follows extensive consultation with WA stakeholders
Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson has today welcomed the Commonwealth Government's announcement of a $93 million advance payment to the State Government to better support disaster-impacted local governments.
Through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements WA, the money will be used to increase the amount of funds paid upfront to disaster-activated Western Australian local governments to help cover their costs to repair essential public assets and infrastructure.
Additionally, some of the money will assist with the upfront costs of the Kimberley Floods community and industry-focused recovery packages.
WA currently has 31 active disaster events across 74 local governments eligible for funding assistance under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
The State Government currently provides advanced payments to local governments and agencies for the repairs to roads and essential public infrastructure. This money from the Commonwealth Government increases the support for recovery and getting the community back on their feet.
The decision by the Commonwealth to advance payments follows a period of frequent natural disasters in WA, including Severe Tropical Cyclone Ilsa, the Kimberley flooding associated with ex-TC Ellie and the Wooroloo bushfire.
In total, more than $1.8 billion will be advanced to local governments around the country.
An independent review into disaster recovery funding arrangements is currently underway.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
"In the aftermath of a disaster, it's critical that communities can access quick, up-front payments for repairs.
"I've met with many local government representatives whose communities have been impacted by fires, floods and cyclones.
"They say getting work done can be a major financial burden, an issue I've raised with the current and former Federal Governments.
"Today's announcement shows the Cook and Albanese Governments are listening and addressing these concerns directly."
