Joint media release with the Hon Josh Wilson MP, the Hon Roger Cook MLA, the Hon Paul Papalia MLA and the Hon Kevin Michel MLA
The Albanese and Cook Governments have activated disaster recovery assistance for communities that have been impacted by Ex-Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle.
The shires of Exmouth, Carnarvon and Shark Bay are now eligible for recovery assistance measures through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Under the funding arrangements, disaster assistance can be made available for individuals and families, businesses, local and State Government agencies.
Emergency assistance is available for eligible individuals and families who need assistance to meet their immediate and essential needs.
Impacted residents can access wellbeing services and financial assistance to replace essential household items and support minor repairs to their homes.
Financial assistance is means tested and requires proof of damage.
Impacted residents can contact the Department of Communities Disaster Relief Hotline on 1800 032 965 to discuss wellbeing and assistance measures and eligibility requirements.
Additionally, interest rate subsidies are available for directly impacted small businesses, as well as assistance for local and State Government agencies to support the repair of essential public assets damaged by Ex-Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle.
Impacted businesses, local governments and State agencies can call the Department of Fire and Emergency Services Recovery Funding Hotline on 1800 920 659 to discuss assistance measures and eligibility requirements.
The Cook Government is continuing to liaise with impacted local governments and state government agencies to determine the full extent of the impacts. Further assistance measures may be made available if required.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the Albanese Government was working closely with the Cook Government to provide support where it is needed.
"The impacts of Ex-Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle have been destructive, and my thoughts are with everyone that has been affected," Minister McBain said.
"The Albanese Government has moved swiftly alongside the Cook Government to activate immediate support for those who are most impacted.
"We will continue to work closely with the Cook Government to support the recovery of impacted communities because we know recovery from events such as this take time."
Western Australian Premier Roger Cook met with residents and volunteers in Exmouth today and said his government is committed to working alongside the Albanese Government to help impacted communities recover.
"The damage caused by Ex-Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle is confronting to see, and I again want to acknowledge and thank everyone who has played a part in responding in recent days," Premier Cook said.
"My government has worked closely with the Albanese Government to make support available to affected communities as quickly as possible.
"It is an incredibly challenging situation, but together, we will help Western Australians impacted by this cyclone get back on their feet. "
Federal Assistant Minister for Emergency Management Josh Wilson is on the ground in Exmouth today to meet with impacted communities and first responders.
He said the Albanese Government would support Western Australians through these tough times.
"Right now, we're focused on supporting the people and communities that have been heavily impacted by TC Narelle," he said.
"At the outset I want to acknowledge the resilience and resourcefulness of the hardy people of the Gascoyne and Pilbara who are looking out for one another as they seek to recover from this devastating event.
"The Albanese and Cook Governments are working together to support those hardest hit shires - Exmouth, Carnarvon and Shark Bay - with disaster response funding to help them recover and build back better.
"The Albanese Government is committed to preparing for, responding to and recovering from disasters everywhere across our country, but especially in places where severe weather is a frequent visitor, which is certainly the case in our remote North West."
Western Australian Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia said the Cook Government had been in frequent contact with the Albanese Government to expedite the activation of the DRFA, ensuring much-needed support reaches the impacted communities.
"While our primary focus has been on protecting people's lives, properties and livelihoods, the Cook Government has also been working closely with the Federal Government to ensure we could provide support to impacted communities as quickly as possible.
"These communities will have access to Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to help cover the costs of damage to essential public assets such as roads and infrastructure.
"I would like to congratulate communities for their preparation work in the lead-up to the cyclone and all the hard-working emergency services personnel and volunteers for their exceptional efforts and assistance to keep these communities safe."
Western Australian Member for the Pilbara Kevin Michel said the support was an important step to help the community rebuild.
"It has been a challenging time for our community, but this funding will help ease the immediate financial pressures while we rebuild and recover."
For more information on assistance eligibility, visit:
