Joint media release with the Hon Lia Finocchiaro
The Albanese and Finocchiaro Governments have activated disaster assistance for communities impacted by severe weather and flooding in February.
Support has been made available across the Alice Springs Town Council, Barkly Regional Council, Central Desert Regional Council and MacDonnell Regional Council areas under the joint Commonwealth-State funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Severe weather and flooding impacted sections of the Stuart Highway, Tanami Road and Plenty Highway, disrupted rail services, and isolated remote communities with some residents relocating from Murray Downs and Ali Curung.
Under the DRFA, primary producers can claim a Freight Subsidy covering up to 50 per cent of eligible freight costs, capped at $5,000. Eligible non-profit organisations can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to repair significant asset damage.
The arrangements also support State and Territory agencies and local governments to undertake counter disaster operations, as well as restore essential public assets and infrastructure, including debris removal, temporary repairs and works to make properties safe.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the Albanese Government was working closely with the Northern Territory Government to ensure communities were well supported.
"We've seen an extraordinary amount of rainfall across Central Australia and the Barkly region in recent days and this has had a substantial impact on communities who live and work there.
"That's why both governments are working together to kickstart the recovery process.
"Through the DRFA, we are supporting councils, primary producers and community organisations by jointly providing the financial support needed to repair essential infrastructure and restore services as quickly as possible."
Chief Minister of the Northern Territory Lia Finocchiaro said Central Australia and the Barkly region have experienced significant severe weather in recent weeks, resulting in widespread impacts across communities, infrastructure, and essential services.
"Our immediate priority is ensuring that communities in the Barkly, including Murray Downs, Imangara and Ali Curung, as well as pastoralists and cattle stations across the region, receive the support they need to restore access, reconnect essential services, and recover from the impacts on critical community infrastructure," Mrs Finocchiaro said.
"Through the Disaster Resilience Funding Agreement, we are working to deliver targeted assistance that supports recovery efforts on the ground and helps communities rebuild stronger and more resilient following these severe weather events."
Information on disaster assistance and eligibility is available at www.disasterassist.gov.au and https://securent.nt.gov.au/recover-from-an-emergency.
