Joint media release with Stephen Dawson MLC
Disaster recovery assistance has been made available to those affected by the bushfire in Mariginiup, north of Perth, in Western Australia.
The jointly funded assistance is being provided through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) for affected individuals, families, primary producers, and small businesses in the cities of Swan and Wanneroo.
Emergency assistance measures are available for eligible individuals and families to help meet their immediate and essential needs, such as emergency accommodation, food, clothing and personal affects, and personal or financial support services.
Interest rate subsidies will also be available for eligible small businesses and primary producers to repair or replace property damaged or destroyed by the bushfire.
The Australian and Western Australian Governments are also working together to support the cities of Swan and Wanneroo to cover costs associated with undertaking counter disaster operations and the repair of essential public assets damaged by the fire.
The Mariginiup bushfire was reported just after 1pm on 22 November, initially burning through young pine plantations.
The blaze escalated through adverse conditions, with dry and strong winds coupled with extremely high temperatures.
By the morning of 24 November, the fire had burned approximately 2000 hectares with a 60-kilometre perimeter.
The immediate impacts have included damage to residential and non-residential buildings, local infrastructure, businesses, horticultural areas, and large areas of vegetation.
Some residential and non-residential properties have been confirmed destroyed.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt, said the support measures provide much-needed aid for affected people in the immediate aftermath of the disaster.
"This is an incredibly distressing time for those who have been forced to evacuate and are waiting to hear about the condition of their homes, and of course for those who have lost their homes," Minister Watt said.
"The Australian Government is working with the Western Australian Government to make support available as quickly as possible.
"Assistance through the DRFA will provide people with practical relief and effective support. We are helping to relieve the financial pressure on local governments so they can focus on providing what's needed for their communities.
WA Minister for Emergency Services, the Hon Stephen Dawson, said activating the DRFA now is a reflection that some people need immediate assistance with temporary accommodation, transport and everyday essentials.
"We are working with the Commonwealth Government to ensure those impacted have the support they need at a difficult time.
"As this is an unfolding situation with the fire continuing to burn, I strongly encourage people to monitor the advice of authorities, particularly the information available at www.emergency.wa.gov.au."
