Communities impacted by floods on Western Australia's south coast are encouraged to apply for disaster recovery assistance, after severe weather caused extensive damage to critical public infrastructure between Esperance and Bremer Bay in April.
Assistance is provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), ensuring local governments are supported in their recovery journey.
Severe weather lashed WA's south coast between April 11 to 14, bringing heavy rainfall and damaging winds across the region that impacted important road networks.
The town of Ravensthorpe recorded its second-highest daily rainfall record, with 111mm falling on April 13.
Flash flooding and fallen debris damaged and closed major State roads, including the South Coast and Brookton highways. Large sections of these highways were closed for up to 24 hours. Several local roads were also impacted.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt said the joint funding would help communities through the clean-up and recovery.
"This funding for the shires of Ravensthorpe and Jerramungup will help alleviate the financial burden associated with recovery," Senator Watt said.
"These road networks are critical to the safety and economy of regional communities, so the Australian Government will continue to work closely with the WA Government to deliver much-needed support."
WA Minister for Emergency Services, the Hon Stephen Dawson, said it was important to provide financial support to assist with disaster recovery.
"The Department of Fire and Emergency Services, the Bureau of Meteorology, Main Roads WA, the Shire of Ravensthorpe and WA Police did an outstanding job keeping affected road users safe during this severe weather event," he said.
"Hitting just before the Easter long weekend, the storms and floods caused major disruptions to businesses and workers who rely on the tourism dollar.
"Activating this financial assistance will help support the rebuild of critical infrastructure and help impacted communities to recover.
"I would also like to acknowledge and commend the emergency services volunteers who turned out to support their local communities during this challenging event. Their sacrifice and resilience during times like this is integral to keeping Western Australians safe during natural disasters."
Information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government's Disaster Assist website at disasterassist.gov.au
