WA Recovery Fund activated for cyclone relief

Small businesses and community groups in northwest WA are eligible for a minimum of $5,000 to help with repairs and recovery in the wake of Cyclone Narelle.

Cyclone Narelle caused widespread damage across Western Australia’s north west last month, bringing destructive winds, heavy rainfall, flooding, and power outages. More than 450 structures were damaged during the event.

The WA Premier’s Natural Disaster Recovery Fund was established to provide financial assistance to victims of significant natural disasters, including fires, floods and cyclones, and has been activated by Premier Roger Cook for the first time.

Key points

• New Premier’s Natural Disaster Recovery Fund activated for the first time to provide timely relief for communities impacted by Ex-Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle
• Financial assistance available for eligible households, community groups and local small businesses facing ongoing disruptions and losses as they recover from the disaster
• Payments to bridge the gap between immediate support and insurance payouts
• Applications now open

The fund offers timely payments in tiers, with residents whose home has been severely damaged or destroyed eligible for up to $20,000, and $10,000 for those who have suffered major damage.

“The damage caused by Ex-Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle was confronting and created an incredibly challenging situation for the residents across the impacted regions,” the Premier said.

“The purpose of the new Premier’s Natural Disaster Recovery Fund is to provide financial assistance and bridge the gap between immediate emergency assistance and insurance payouts, which are often provided at a later stage.

Storm damage  in Exmouth after a “devastating” cyclone tore through coastal towns,(AAP Image/Violeta Jahnel Brosig) 

“These funds are in addition to the disaster recovery funding arrangements that have already been provided to those impacted by this incident.”

Funded by Lotterywest, applications for payments have opened and will be distributed in partnership with the Australian Red Cross to individuals and by the Western Australian Council of Social Services to businesses and community groups.

Check eligibility for support from the fund: https://recovery.dfes.wa.gov.au/

Households and businesses are encouraged to check eligibility and apply via https://recovery.dfes.wa.gov.au/recoveries/cyclone-narelle-recovery