Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education
Disaster assistance is now available to help communities in the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes recover from the impacts of the recent bushfire in February.
Assistance will be provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), ensuring the local government, individuals and families are supported in their recovery journey.
Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, said it was important that impacted communities received support during their recovery journey.
"The bushfire caused significant damage and distress for the impacted communities, with widespread road closures, power outages and water supply issues.
"Whether it's fires or floods, this critical disaster assistance will ensure that communities can get back on their feet as quickly as possible," Minister McKenzie said.
The Bridgetown bushfire started on 5 February, and residents of Hester and Bridgetown had to evacuate and relocate to Manjimup.
An evacuation centre was set up in the Manjimup Basketball Centre, where approximately 180 people stayed overnight.
Western Australian Minister for Emergency Services the Hon, Minister Dawson MLC said it was important for Commonwealth and State governments to provide financial support to assist with disaster recovery.
"Given the catastrophic fire conditions, I was very proud of all those involved in the emergency response," Minister Dawson said.
"It has been an incredibly difficult time for everyone involved and this financial assistance will help the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes, individuals and families with relief and recovery costs.
"The strength and resilience of the impacted community is immense and the Western Australian Government will continue to work with our counterparts in Canberra to monitor the impacts of these fires to ensure assistance is timely and targeted."
Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government's Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au.
