- New programs to boost resilience and recovery
- Up to $500,000 available for projects in all 16 affected local government areas
- Extra funding of $1.2 million for five worst-affected shires
Local governments affected by Severe Tropical Cyclone (STC) Seroja will share in $9.2 million in State Government funding to aid community recovery and build resilience.
Sixteen local government areas were impacted after STC Seroja crossed the Kalbarri coast on 11 April 2021, destroying homes, businesses and critical infrastructure.
Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson today announced two new programs to boost the ongoing recovery process.
The funding was requested by local governments to support their communities' long-term recovery as they near the two-year anniversary of the cyclone crossing.
The 2023-24 State Budget will include $8 million for a new grants scheme, where all 16 local governments will be eligible for up to $500,000 for projects to improve resilience in their communities.
The projects could include upgrades to community centres to help withstand future weather events or funding for the demolition of properties abandoned in the wake of the cyclone.
In addition, $1.2 million will be provided to five of the worst affected local governments under the Community Benefit Fund.
The Shire of Northampton will receive $400,000 while the Shires of Chapman Valley, Morawa, Mingenew and Perenjori will receive $200,000.
The money will go towards programs and activities that have been identified by local governments and community members to support the ongoing recovery.
The $9.2 million commitment is the latest investment in the recovery of the region and is in addition to grants and financial assistance, clean-up and rebuild support and the provision of wellbeing support services provided over the past two years.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The McGowan Government is listening to local governments, who requested this funding support.
"These programs are focused on enabling local governments to lead their own ongoing recovery, while strengthening their ability to respond to natural disasters in the future.
"Events like Cyclone Seroja are becoming increasingly frequent, which is why it is critically important that good systems and infrastructure are in place."
