Disaster recovery funding has
been activated to assist the City of Greater Geraldton with the cost of reconstructing
flood-damaged infrastructure.
A cold front moved over the central
west coast in early June, causing persistent rainfall that damaged local roads
and culverts in the area.
Financial assistance
to alleviate the cost of repairing roads and other assets will be provided by
the Australian and Western Australian Governments through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State
Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
The activation of disaster assistance will
also enable the City of Greater Geraldton to seek
reimbursement for certain eligible costs associated with the flooding, such as
emergency works or counter-disaster operations.
Comments attributed to Federal
Emergency Management Minister Jenny McAllister:
"The Albanese Government is committed
to supporting the City of Geraldton and surrounding communities impacted by this
severe weather event.
"Communities in the City of
Greater Geraldton have undoubtedly felt the impacts of this severe flooding
event. With widespread damage to local transport networks, it's important that
they are connected again as soon as possible.
"The financial support
activated today will allow the Council to focus on community recovery efforts,
and we will continue to look to supporting councils and communities on their
recovery journey."
Comments attributed to Emergency
Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Activating the jointly
funded
DRFA would ensure the City of Greater Geraldton would be supported by both the
State and Commonwealth Governments.
"The rain band associated with
the cold front caused more than 100mm of rainfall, which can have a significant
impact on local road networks.
"The DRFA will provide
much-needed support to the City as it works to repair the damage to roads and
other transport infrastructure."
Information on disaster
assistance is available on the Australian Government's Disaster Assist website
at disasterassist.gov.au
Comments attributed to Geraldton
MLA Lara Dalton:
"There has been a significant amount
of rain which has caused a range of issues for local communities and our roads.
"The activation of this
funding is most welcome and supports the City of Greater Geraldton in the costs
of repairing this infrastructure.
"This is a great example of
the Commonwealth and Cook Government's dedication to supporting our community
during times of need."
