Disaster recovery assistance is available for 10 local governments in Western Australia's South West following multiple severe weather events in July 2021.
Assistance will be provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to provide local governments with assistance to repair essential public assets.
Between 20 and 31 July, successive severe weather systems moved across the South West Land Division, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds and flooding.
Disaster recovery assistance is available to the local government areas of Augusta-Margaret River, Boddington, Busselton, Corrigin, Dumbleyung, Katanning, Narrogin, Pingelly, Wagin and West Arthur.
Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said the severe storms caused extensive damage to local infrastructure.
"Severe weather events are always distressing for those who experience them and that is why it is a priority of the Australian Government to support communities impacted by natural disasters.
"Some areas recorded more than 75mm of rain within 24 hours, causing flooding to major roads, while winds of up to 126km/h felled trees that required significant clean-up," Minister McKenzie said.
"Dozens of trees were brought down across roads, causing major disruption for residents and businesses.
"Through the joint Commonwealth and State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, financial assistance is now available to repair state and local road networks and support clean-up operations."
Western Australian Minister for Emergency Services Reece Whitby said State Emergency Service crews received over 60 requests for assistance from affected communities during this period.
"Ambulance services and school buses had to be diverted in some areas due to dangerous conditions associated with floodwaters," Minister Whitby said.
"Heavy haulage routes were closed in some areas and large vehicles were prevented from using any unsealed roads due to flooding.
"This disaster assistance will be an important contribution to the recovery of affected local government areas, particularly to repair significantly damaged state and local road networks."
The Western Australian Government will continue to work alongside the Australian Government and local communities to ensure those impacted have the necessary support they need.
Information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government's Disaster Assist website at disasterassist.gov.au
