The WA Nationals fear that flood-affected shires in WA may face financial ruin unless the State Government steps in with special funds to repair damaged local roads, bridges and other community infrastructure.
Party leader Brendon Grylls said heavy recent rains in the Lake Grace-Kukerin area had exacerbated the plight of the Lake Grace shire, which was battling, along with local workers and government agencies, to lower water levels and re-open roads.
"Although the State Government is distributing Commonwealth natural disaster relief funds to declared areas, including Lake Grace, the money is provided on a 3:1 basis, leaving shires with the bleak prospect of funding repairs to local roads and damaged town infrastructure from their own limited resources," he said.
"Shire and farm infrastructure in the Wheatbelt and Great Southern have been especially hard hit by severe flooding caused by Tropical Cyclone Clare.
"Lake Grace alone has already estimated flood damage at $2.5 million and might be forced to find up to $1 million if the State Government is not prepared to help.
"A bill like this could send the Lake Grace shire into bankruptcy. They need immediate assurances that additional State funding is on the way.
"Other shires are dreading the final cost because washaways have left some roads impassable and others dangerous."
Mr Grylls said he had been advised that even the main road from Lake Grace to Dumbleyung would not be re-opened until the end of the week, and only then to four-wheel-drive vehicles.
He added that the State Government must also be prepared to increase social assistance in the flood-damaged regions, especially in the areas of mental health counselling and professional agricultural advice.
"The State Government needs to be aware of the emotional as well as financial strain farm businesses are placed under in times of natural disaster and social support structures must be kept in place.
"Supporting regional communities with dedicated funding and services will be a priority for The Nationals WA as a stand-alone independent party challenging for the balance of power at the next State election."
