Residents and small business owners suffering financial hardship as a result of Tropical Cyclone Seroja can now access payments of up to $4,000 through a State Government emergency assistance package.
Grants are available to people across 13 local government areas whose homes were severely damaged or destroyed, or whose businesses suffered financially as a result of the cyclone.
About 360 people are expected to access the residential program, with applications made through the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development website at https://agric.smartygrants.com.au/Residential_relief
An estimated 200 businesses located in the emergency region are also expected to receive assistance. Applications for small business are open on the Small Business Development Corporation's website http://www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au/seroja until June 30, 2021.
The following industry sectors are eligible for the grants:
- 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.
Tropical Cyclone Seroja hit the Mid-West on April 11 across an impact area that exceeded 133,000 square kilometres.
The $2.8 million grants program is an additional State Government investment that will complement the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
The eligible local governments are Carnamah, Chapman Valley, Coorow, Dalwallinu, Dandaragan, Greater Geraldton, Mingenew, Morawa, Mount Marshall, Northampton, Perenjori, Shark Bay, and Three Springs.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"People have suffered significant hardship as a result of Tropical Cyclone Seroja and these grants will reduce the pressure while long-term recovery funding arrangements are finalised.
"The recovery from Cyclone Seroja will take some time, and the State Government is committed to supporting Mid-West communities as they rebuild."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"This funding will be a helping hand for those small businesses and residents hardest hit by the cyclone.
"We will continue to work with businesses across the Mid-West to get back on track and rebuild stronger than ever."
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Reece Whitby:
"Residents and small businesses in the region have been doing it tough and these targeted payments will help support them as they get back on their feet.
"I urge eligible residents and business-owners impacted by Cyclone Seroja to apply for these grants, which will help ease the financial burden as we move forward."
