Justice Minister Michael Keenan and Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett have announced disaster assistance in response to the flooding that affected Western Australia in January and February.
Wheatbelt areas that can access assistance include, but are not limited to, Northam, Toodyay, York, Bruce Rock, Cunderdin, Dalwallinu, Dowerin, Goomalling, Kellerberrin, Moora, Quairading, Chittering.
Mr Keenan said the assistance is being provided through the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).
"The Australian and Western Australian governments recognise the need for effective action to help communities recover from the impacts of the recent rainfall and flooding," Mr Keenan said. "We are saddened by the news that two men died in relation to the floods. Our thoughts are with their loved ones at this time."
The joint Australian, state and territory governments' NDRRA provide a range of financial assistance to the natural disaster-declared areas in each state or territory.
Available assistance measures through the NDRAA include:
- Personal hardship and distress assistance for families and individuals to help with emergency needs such as food, clothing and accommodation
- Personal and financial counselling
- Financial assistance for local and state government authorities to undertake counter-disaster operations and to restore damaged public infrastructure
- Interest rate subsidies for small businesses and primary producers who have been directly impacted, and
- Freight subsidies for primary producers.
Premier Barnett said the assistance will provide individuals, families and communities with a much needed helping hand.
The entire list of areas receiving assistance and more information on this natural disaster can be found on the Australian Government's Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au or the Western Australian Office of Emergency Management website at www.oem.wa.gov.au.
