The Albanese and Cook Governments have activated disaster recovery assistance for a further three communities that have been impacted by Ex-Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle.
The Shires of Ashburton, Upper Gascoyne and Yalgoo are now eligible for recovery assistance measures through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This builds on assistance already made available to the Shires of Exmouth, Carnarvon and Shark Bay.
The Shires of Ashburton, Upper Gascoyne and Yalgoo have sustained road damage. Additional property damage has been reported in Onslow, as well as impacts to the pastoral sector in the Upper Gascoyne.
Emergency assistance is now available to eligible individuals and families in these shires who require support to meet immediate and essential needs.
Affected residents can access wellbeing services and financial assistance to replace essential household items and undertake minor home repairs. This financial support is meanstested and requires evidence of damage.
Interest rate subsidies are available for directly impacted small businesses and primary producers, as well as freight subsidies for primary producers. Assistance for local and State Government agencies to repair essential public assets that have been damaged is also available.
The Western Australian Government will continue to engage with affected communities and local governments to assess the full extent of the impacts and support them in the recovery process.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said that extending financial assistance for small businesses and families would ensure that Western Australians have access to the support they need to quickly recover.
"We want to see communities get back on their feet as soon as possible and the Albanese Government is working closely with the WA Government to ensure this occurs.
"Recovery takes time, however this funding will allow individuals and families who need assistance to meet their immediate and essential needs which is so important in times like this."
Federal Assistant Minister for Emergency Management Josh Wilson said the Cook and Albanese governments had moved quickly to engage with affected communities, conduct assessments of the damage and to make support available.
"Speaking with communities on the ground in Exmouth and Carnarvon earlier this week, it was clear they are working hard to get back on their feet as quickly as possible, particularly to bring tourists back. We are supporting them in those efforts.
"The three additional shires added today have suffered significant impacts from Ex-TC Narelle, including water supply issues in Onslow and damage to pastoral stations through the Gascoyne. We will continue to support communities and look at where further help is needed."
Western Australian Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia said the State Government had continued to engage with and support communities that had been impacted by Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle.
"Having visited Exmouth, I've seen first-hand the significant damage caused by Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle. The resilience shown by communities hit hard by this event and their determination to recover has been uplifting.
"As we continue to assess the situation on the ground and engage with affected communities, we are forming a better understanding of the impacts and their recovery needs.
"The Cook Government has been working closely with the Commonwealth Government to ensure that every community and local government that was impacted by this disaster is able to access this important recovery support."
Western Australian Member for the Pilbara Kevin Michel said the support was an important step to help the community rebuild.
"Getting local businesses back on their feet and restoring community confidence is a key priority as we move forward."
For more information on assistance available and eligibility criteria, visit:
