- $1,000 Premier's Relief Payment now available for West Kimberley residents to replace damaged personal items
- Payments one of several initiatives to provide relief to those impacted by floods
- Payments to fund replacement of personal household items lost due to the unprecedented natural disaster
Applications for the McGowan Government's $1,000 payments to provide emergency financial assistance to West Kimberley residents whose homes were damaged by flooding caused by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie are now open.
The flooding, which is unprecedented on this scale in the Kimberley region, has directly affected many residents, leading to damage and destruction of their personal household items.
People aged 18 and above will be eligible for these payments of $1,000 if they live in a property damaged by flooding associated with Ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie.
The payments will be provided on a debit card which can only be used to fund the replacement of items such as clothing, tools, household goods and other personal items.
The payments aim to provide immediate financial assistance to impacted residents.
Applications can be made online, over the phone, in person via outreach to communities, or at the Flood Hubs located in Broome, Fitzroy Crossing and Derby.
For information about eligibility, application process and where and when you can access support to complete your application, visit https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/emergencywa/recovery
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services will work with the Department of Communities and Shire of Derby-West Kimberley to provide on-the-ground support for residents to complete the application process over the next few weeks.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"My Government is committed to helping the local community recover from this unprecedented natural disaster.
"These payments which are activated at a state level will support the immediate needs of residents and are in addition to other assistance measures.
"It's a challenging and upsetting time for residents as they return to their homes, but we know these communities are resilient.
"This immediate financial support will relieve the burden and help those affected get back on their feet."
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The Premier's Payment is just one of a series of supports being offered to Kimberley residents.
"The payment will help those affected replace personal items damaged and destroyed by this devastating flooding event.
"We're continuing to work closely with local communities and Traditional Owners through this complex recovery process."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"The Premier's Payment is an addition to other Government support for flood affected residents in the Kimberley and will assist those who have suffered loss or damage to personal items by flooding.
"The recovery and rebuilding process is a difficult time for anyone who has lost their belongings and personal items through flooding and I am sure that people will welcome this payment which will alleviate some of the financial pressure being felt by individuals and families."
