The federal government has committed to assist the flood-affected communities in the Kimberley region, having pledged recovery measures including money, counselling and aircrafts.
The federal government has committed to assist the flood-affected communities in the Kimberley region, having pledged recovery measures including money, counselling and aircrafts.
The jointly funded Commonwealth State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) has been made eligible for the shires of Derby West Kimberley, Broome, Wyndham East Kimberley and Halls Creek.
Funding may be allocated to emergency assistance, temporary living expenses, replacement of essential household goods, housing repairs, personal and financial counselling assistance.
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie has caused major flooding, road closures and damage since it crossed into the state from the Northern Territory on December 28.
Widespread rainfall totals between 200-500mm have been recorded across the Kimberley region since December 30, with a record flood level of 15.81 metres along the Fitzroy River to Fitzroy Crossing.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited the flood-affected Kimberley today, announcing the Australian Defence Force has deployed eight aircrafts, three fixed-wing aircrafts and five helicopters.
He said there would be 200 Australian Defence Force personnel in the Kimberley region by tomorrow.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said the easist way to access the DRFA was through the WA Department of Communities.
Mr Watt said the immediate emergency assistance comprises of up to $800 for a household and up to $10,000 a household in housing repairs and household contents.
"They're actively getting the processes up and running, including intending to send people out to Fitzroy Crossing and some of the affected communities to assist people to apply for grants," he said.
Mr Watt said assistance had been made available to help the cost of repairs to damaged infrastructure.
“We have also deployed two C-27J Spartan and one C-130J Hercules transport aircraft to evacuate residents and transport supplies to cut-off communities following requests for support from the WA government," he said.
Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said the state government had been in regular contact with its federal counterpart to fast track the DRFA.
“First of all, can I say thank you to the community that’s been impacted for their resilience,” he said.
“People in the Kimberley are experiencing a one-in-100-year flood event, the worst flooding Western Australia has ever seen.
“While our primary focus has been on ensuring people’s lives and livelihoods, we must eventually pivot to recovery actions and support.
“With this in mind, we have been working closely with the Commonwealth Government to make sure people in impacted communities will have access to Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.”
Mr Albanese said the Commonwealth would provide any support requested by the Western Australian government.
“We have already deployed aircraft to assist with evacuations and to transport crucial supplies, and will continue to provide support now and long after the water recedes,” he said.
“I’d like to thank all of our hard-working emergency services personnel and volunteers for their hard work and assistance during this unprecedented event.”
Premier Mark McGowan said the state government would continue to work cooperatively with the Commonwealth.
“This is a once-in-a-century event so the state and federal governments will work for as long as it takes to ensure communities recover and rebuild,” he said.
More assistance
The Lord Mayor's Distress Relief Fund has also been activated over the weekend, with $500,000 from the fund board and $3 million the state government pledged to the Kimberley Floods Appeal.
“Our thoughts are with the people in these areas and we hope people remain safe until the flood waters subside,” City of Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas said.
“We are urging the community to donate to the LMDRF appeal to help all those impacted.
“We need to pull together to assist all the communities, residents, and businesses in our North-West.
“Every dollar donated to the LMDRF will go to the victims of the floods and help these communities to rebuild.
“I encourage my fellow West Australians to give generously to support the recovery efforts and help ease the financial burden of those in need.”
According to the City of Perth, the costs of administering the fund would be absorbed by the city.
Rio Tinto has donated $2 million to the Lord Mayor's Distress Fund, with employee donations to be matched dollar-for-dollar by the mining giant.
The company's Iron Ore chief executive Simon Trott said Rio Tinto had a strong connection with the Kimberley region.
“For more than 50 years our people have been helping to build thriving and resilient communities across Western Australia," he said.
"Rio Tinto employees will be devastated for the people and communities in the Kimberley region, and we will also be matching their donations.
“We are also working with our community partners and stakeholders in the Kimberley to see what further assistance we can provide to make a positive contribution on the ground.”