Disaster recovery assistance has been made available to those
affected by the bushfire in Mariginiup, north of Perth, in Western Australia.
The
jointly funded assistance is being
provided through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements
(DRFA) for affected individuals, families, primary producers, and small
businesses in the cities of Swan and Wanneroo.
Emergency assistance measures are available for eligible
individuals and families to help meet their immediate and essential needs, such
as emergency accommodation, food, clothing and personal affects, and personal
or financial support services.
Interest rate subsidies will also be available for eligible small
businesses and primary producers to repair or replace property damaged or
destroyed by the bushfire.
The Australian and Western Australian Governments are also working
together to support the cities of Swan and Wanneroo to cover costs associated
with undertaking counter disaster operations and the repair of essential public
assets damaged by the fire.
The Mariginiup bushfire was reported just after 1pm on 22 November,
initially burning through young pine plantations. The blaze escalated through
adverse conditions, with dry and strong winds coupled with extremely high
temperatures. By the morning of 24 November, the fire had burned approximately 2000
hectares with a 60-kilometre perimeter.
The immediate impacts have included damage to residential and
non-residential buildings, local infrastructure, businesses, horticultural
areas, and large areas of vegetation. Some residential and non-residential properties
have been confirmed destroyed.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray
Watt, said the support measures provide much-needed aid for affected people in
the immediate aftermath of the disaster.
"This is an incredibly distressing time for those who have been
forced to evacuate and are waiting to hear about the condition of their homes,
and of course for those who have lost their homes," Minister Watt said.
"The Australian Government is working with the Western Australian
Government to make support available as quickly as possible.
"Assistance through the DRFA will provide people with practical
relief and effective support. We are helping to relieve the financial pressure
on local governments so they can focus on providing what's needed for their
communities."
WA Minister for Emergency Services, the Hon Stephen Dawson, said activating
the DRFA now is a reflection that some people need immediate assistance with
temporary accommodation, transport and everyday essentials.
"We are working with the Commonwealth Government to ensure those
impacted have the support they need at a difficult time.
"As this is an unfolding situation with the fire continuing to
burn, I strongly encourage people to monitor the advice of authorities,
particularly the information available at www.emergency.wa.gov.au."
