The new Premier’s Natural Disaster Recovery Fund will help bridge the gap of existing support mechanisms funded through Local, State and Commonwealth Government allocations, by:
- tailoring support to the needs of the specific community.
- providing relief between existing support and insurance payouts, which are often provided at a later stage.
- widening the scope of those able to access payments, including when a property is rented, and to businesses or community groups.
Who is the Premier’s Natural Disaster Recovery Fund for?
The new recovery fund will provide financial support to individuals, households, local businesses and community groups facing ongoing disruption and losses as they recover from natural disasters.
How much will payments from the recovery fund be?
The payment will be provided in tiers, with $20,000 available to residents whose home has been destroyed, and $10,000 for those who have suffered serious damage.
Businesses and community groups are also eligible for $5,000 to help with repairs and recovery, with the potential for payments to be adjusted upwards depending on the event.
When is the recovery fund available?
The new recovery fund will be activated by the Premier in a timely manner, in situations where:
- a natural disaster has significantly impacted people and/or property, amongst other factors.
- and where immediate clean up or repairs may be required while insurance assessments and claims are made.
The new recovery fund can be activated in addition to the existing Premier’s Relief Payment, which are made available following significant natural disaster events and offer immediate financial assistance to residents to pay for items such as food and clothing.
The recovery fund will draw upon Lotterywest’s Reserve Fund. The Australian Red Cross and the Western Australian Council of Social Services (WACOSS) will distribute funds following an assessment process.
How do I apply for the fund?
If the Premier’s Natural Disaster Recovery Fund is activated, information on eligibility and how to apply will be provided.
Other resources and helplines during natural disasters
Disaster Response Hotline is a service that is stood up by Department of Communities to support people impacted by a disaster or emergency.
You can call the Disaster Response Hotline on 1800 032 965.
For up-to-date information on active emergencies please visit Emergency WA
