- Kimberley Floods State Recovery and Resilience Plan provides framework for locally-led recovery
- Advice from working group comprising local Aboriginal leaders pivotal to recovery from one-in-100-year flood event
- Country and culture at the heart of the recovery process
Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson has released the Kimberley Floods State Recovery and Resilience Plan, reinforcing the Cook Government's commitment to long-term recovery efforts.
Following the floods, the recovery and resilience plan has been developed through extensive engagement and consultation with affected Traditional Owners, community representatives, businesses, local governments and industry sector groups. The plan provides a comprehensive assessment and framework for the State-supported, locally-led recovery.
At the heart of the State Government's recovery governance structure is the Fitzroy Valley Flood Recovery Working Group which comprises local Aboriginal leaders from five flood-impacted language groups.
The working group is playing a key role in the recovery process, providing advice and guidance on needs and implementation to the Government.
Work on the plan began immediately after the one-in-100-year flood event early last year and is expected to be completed over the next two years.
The plan outlines the impacts, needs and priorities that are guided by the National Principles for Disaster Recovery and addresses the five recovery domains of country and culture; people and community; infrastructure and built environment; economic; and environment and heritage.
The Western Australian and Australian Governments have committed funding to support the recovery initiatives outlined in the plan. This includes 14 tailored recovery programs jointly funded through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements including:
- clean-up and disposal of flood debris;
- delivery of social and emotional wellbeing services;
- repair and rebuild of houses and community access roads;
- flood resilience measures in the construction of the new Fitzroy River Bridge and road works;
- assistance to businesses with high freight costs;
- restoration of environmental, cultural and heritage assets;
- operating and staffing community flood hubs and a dedicated pastoral officer;
- grants for homeowners, businesses and primary producers to cover their clean-up and repair costs; and
- provision of safe and secure temporary accommodation for residents and workers engaged in recovery projects.
The investment will provide broad long-term economic, environmental and social benefits and improved infrastructure for the region well into the future.
To view the plan visit: www.emergency.wa.gov.au/recovery
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The Cook Government made a strong commitment to the Fitzroy Valley community with its recovery journey with a focus on supporting rather than directing a locally-led response.
"This plan outlines the coordinated and targeted recovery support that has already provided real and measurable progress over the past 12 months to help the local government and impacted communities build back better.
"I commend the leadership of the Fitzroy Valley Flood Recovery Working Group and the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley for the significant roles they are playing working with the Cook Government for the betterment of all the flood-impacted communities.
"Putting the community front and centre ensures that Government assistance is directed to where it is most needed and best supports those who have been affected."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"It's now a year since the devastating impact of ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie wreaked havoc on local communities in the Fitzroy Valley and surrounding areas.
"It is fitting to recognise all the work of those involved in this plan and I applaud and acknowledge the Cook Government's commitment to continue to work with local people to build resilience in the region."
