Joint media release with the Hon Stephen Dawson MLC Western Australian Minister for Emergency Services
Communities in the Mid West and Gascoyne regions affected by flooding earlier this year can now access disaster recovery funding.
A low-pressure system moved through Western Australia on 26 March, bringing a week of significant rainfall to the Local Government Areas of Murchison, Upper Gascoyne, Carnarvon and Yalgoo.
Assistance provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) will ensure local government, primary producers and small businesses are supported in their recovery journey.
Murgoo Station and Carnarvon Aerodrome recorded up to 175mm of rain on 2 April and the Wooramel, Sanford, Murchison and Greenough rivers subsequently overflowed, causing substantial damage to roads and drainage infrastructure.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt said recovery funding would help relieve the financial pressure of recovery.
"Floodwaters leave a path of destruction in their wake and during this event many roads were damaged or closed due to dangerous conditions, restricting public access to fresh food and other resources," he said.
"Pia Wadjarri, a remote Aboriginal community located 330km from Geraldton, was isolated for about two weeks and required essential supplies and medical aid to be flown in.
"Activating the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements is about helping these regional communities get back on their feet by supporting repairs and rebuilding efforts."
Western Australian Minister for Emergency Services, The Hon Stephen Dawson thanked all agencies and community members for coordinating a seamless emergency response.
"The WA Government coordinated a resupply to Pia Wadjarri, dropping off healthcare items and food via helicopter, while the Royal Flying Doctor Service provided medical assistance near Yalgoo," he said.
"Western Australians living in remote and regional areas are some of the most resilient and resourceful people and, together with the help of emergency services, were able to respond to this challenging event.
"This financial support will help accelerate the recovery journey and restore important road networks that are vital to economic supply chains and linking communities to schools, jobs, hospitals and each other."
