Office of the Prime Minister of Australia: Record $104M for Cyclone-Affected Communities

CANBERRA, Australia, July 29 -- The office of the Prime Minister of Australia issued the following news release:

Communities devastated by Severe Tropical Cyclone Seroja will receive the largest disaster recovery package in Western Australian history, with $104 million made available to support the next stage of the recovery and rebuild.

Jointly funded by the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the $104 million package will support continued recovery efforts across disaster affected communities in 16 local government areas.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said his Government continued to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Western Australians affected by Severe Tropical Cyclone Seroja.

"We're there each step of the way, ensuring cyclone-affected communities in Western Australia can rebuild," the Prime Minister said.

"These communities will continue to get the support they need, that's the commitment we're making today with this more than $100 million investment to help them build back stronger than ever before."

Premier Mark McGowan said the record funding package would provide impacted communities with the support they need to undertake the long recovery and rebuilding effort.

"I would like to assure those impacted by this disaster that the State Government will see these efforts through for as long as it takes.

"My Government will continue to work closely with each and every community on their rebuilding efforts to make sure together we recover - stronger than ever."

Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Senator Bridget McKenzie said the size of this recovery package highlighted the extensive trail of destruction the cycle left in its wake in April this year.

"The extent of damage across an area of 133,000 kms2 within 16 local government areas in the Mid-West, Gascoyne and Wheatbelt regions has never before been seen in Western Australia," Minister McKenzie said.

"The affected local governments and their communities face a challenging and prolonged road ahead and the Australian Government is here to support them in their long-term recovery efforts."

Minister for Emergency Services Reece Whitby said the WA Government had been working closely with local communities to determine their needs for the next stage of the recovery and rebuild.

"Our priority is to ensure the best possible community-led recovery - helping to support individuals and businesses as they get back on their feet," Minister Whitby said.

"This package has been developed to provide tailored recovery initiatives, as we continue what will be a long and difficult process.

"We know these communities are resilient and we will continue to work with them in the coming months and years as they rebuild."

The package includes:

* Financial support for the clean-up and restoration of damaged community, recreational, cultural and heritage assets

* Funding for a community welfare and outreach program

* Grant programs to help residents, primary producers and small businesses with clean-up and repair

This community recovery package is in addition to support already being provided by the WA and Commonwealth governments under the DRFA.