Halls Creek Shire communities in Western Australia's East Kimberley region impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Lincoln earlier this year can now access disaster recovery assistance provided by the Albanese and Cook Governments.
Through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), assistance is available for local government and their communities to support eligible repair, rebuild and recovery activities.
Between 19 and 25 February 2024, ex-Tropical Cyclone (ex-TC) Lincoln moved across inland Northern Territory and then traversed the East Kimberley region. The storm caused gales, damaging wind gusts, heavy rainfall and associated flooding, which damaged a significant amount of the Shire's road network.
Acting Federal Emergency Management Minister Catherine King said the recovery funding would help those impacted by the storm to recover faster.
"We're working closely with the Cook Government to support those impacted by this disaster by sharing the immediate financial costs to repair essential public assets and reconnect communities," Minister King said.
"This will help streamline critical recovery works to bring roads back to a safe and trafficable condition and reduce the isolation experienced by communities affected by this event.
"I know both levels of government are committed to working with local communities to understand the recovery needs in the East Kimberley and how we can assist."
Western Australian Emergency Services Minister the Hon Stephen Dawson MLC acknowledged the Shire and multi-agency governmental response to the event and thanked them for their efforts in keeping impacted communities safe.
"The Shire of Halls Creek along with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), Main Roads WA and the WA Police Force are to be commended for their efforts during the event.
"The Shire worked closely with the WA Police Force and Main Roads WA to coordinate local road closures and control safe access to various areas and communities for essential services, while DFES coordinated delivery of fresh produce supplies by airdrop into the isolated Indigenous communities.
"The disaster recovery funding will help cover the costs associated with the reconstruction of essential public assets such as the roads and other infrastructure that were damaged by ex-TC Lincoln."
Information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government's Disaster Assist website at disasterassist.gov.au
