Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education
Two shires from Western Australia's Mid-West have accessed Commonwealth and State Government funding for temporary accommodation for workers to support the region's long-term recovery from Tropical Cyclone Seroja.
Almost $400,000 has been allocated from the Temporary Accommodation for Workers program, which is part of the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) program, to deliver fully equipped caravans to the shires of Mingenew and Perenjori.
The Temporary Accommodation for Workers program will enable workers to reside in the region and repair properties damaged by the category three cyclone in April 2021.
The shires of Northampton and Morawa can also utilise the accommodation, for example, when existing local accommodation becomes unavailable during peak tourism seasons.
Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said the innovative recovery assistance program was a great example of local government leading community recovery with Commonwealth and State support.
"We continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the communities impacted by the devastating effects of Tropical Cyclone Seroja. This program aims to support local governments with the rebuilding process and it will enable their communities to move forward on their recovery journey," Minister McKenzie said.
"Temporary accommodation will be available for builders, tradespeople and workers from industries that are critical in helping impacted communities to get back on their feet and recover from this disaster," Minister McKenzie said.
Western Australian Minister for Emergency Services, the Hon Stephen Dawson MLC said the strength shown by the Mid-West, Wheatbelt and Gascoyne communities in the past 12 months as they continued to rebuild their lives had been humbling and inspiring.
"Importantly, the State and Commonwealth Governments have been there from the beginning of this emergency to support the recovery of the communities impacted by Cyclone Seroja and this program directly responds to local government needs," Minister Dawson said.
"The State Government has been working closing with the impacted local governments to determine demand and consider various options for temporary accommodation.
"The Temporary Accommodation for Workers Program will increase the availability of accommodation for non-regional based builders and labourers so they can stay in the region while undertaking rebuilding activities.
"We'll continue to work with the affected communities to find innovative solutions and ensure that people recover from this devastating cyclone."
Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for Science and Technology, the Hon Melissa Price MP said, "As we approach what will be, no doubt a tough first anniversary of Cyclone Seroja for many, this progress on the temporary workers accommodation is at least a positive reminder that much has been achieved by many working together across the community and this will assist the ongoing rebuilding required. I commend the community leadership that has been so evident to get to this stage and want everyone to know that together with the Morrison Government, I will continue to stand with the communities and support the recovery of all impacted regions."
