Disaster recovery funding has been activated to assist the City of Greater Geraldton with the cost of reconstructing flood-damaged infrastructure.
A cold front moved over the central west coast in early June, causing persistent rainfall that damaged local roads and culverts in the area.
Financial assistance to alleviate the cost of repairing roads and other assets will be provided by the Australian and Western Australian Governments through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
The activation of disaster assistance will also enable the City of Greater Geraldton to seek reimbursement for certain eligible costs associated with the flooding, such as emergency works or counter-disaster operations.
As stated by Federal Emergency Management Minister Jenny McAllister:
"The Albanese Government is committed to supporting the City of Geraldton and surrounding communities impacted by this severe weather event.
"Communities in the City of Greater Geraldton have undoubtedly felt the impacts of this severe flooding event. With widespread damage to local transport networks, it's important that they are connected again as soon as possible.
"The financial support activated today will allow the Council to focus on community recovery efforts, and we will continue to look to supporting councils and communities on their recovery journey."
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Activating the jointly funded DRFA would ensure the City of Greater Geraldton would be supported by both the State and Commonwealth Governments.
"The rain band associated with the cold front caused more than 100mm of rainfall, which can have a significant impact on local road networks.
"The DRFA will provide much-needed support to the City as it works to repair the damage to roads and other transport infrastructure."
Information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government's Disaster Assist website at disasterassist.gov.au
As stated by Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton:
"There has been a significant amount of rain which has caused a range of issues for local communities and our roads.
"The activation of this funding is most welcome and supports the City of Greater Geraldton in the costs of repairing this infrastructure.
"This is a great example of the Commonwealth and Cook Government's dedication to supporting our community during times of need."
