Disaster recovery assistance is now available to communities in Western
Australia's Shire of East Pilbara affected by heavy rainfall and flooding
earlier this year.
From
4 to 11 March 2024, a slow-moving trough brought heavy rainfall which caused
flooding across the Shire of East Pilbara that damaged essential public assets and isolated
communities.
The Albanese and Cook
Governments are providing recovery assistance to the Shire through the jointly
funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
That support
includes enabling the Shire to complete emergency recovery and immediate repair
works to bring essential public assets and important local roads back to usable
condition.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management
Murray Watt said the funding will help to get critical repair work underway.
"This funding is designed to help
communities get back on their feet, including repair works to ensure local
roads are restored, and people can safely move in and out of their community,"
Minister Watt said.
"Our Government will be there to support
communities in their time of need, and I'm pleased to be working with my WA
counterparts to help the Shire of East Pilbara begin recovery efforts."
Western Australian Emergency Services
Minister Stephen Dawson thanked the Shire and all the agencies and community
members involved in the response.
"I want to acknowledge
the efforts of all those involved in the multi-agency response to this weather
event," he said.
"From the Shire of East
Pilbara and Main Roads WA who coordinated road closures and access across the
region for essential services, to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services
and volunteers from the local State Emergency Service who coordinated food
drops by helicopter to the isolated Indigenous communities.
"The assistance announced
today will support these regional communities through their recovery, and help
cover the costs associated with repairing essential public assets and restoring
vital road networks."
Information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government's
Disaster Assist website at disasterassist.gov.au.
