Additional disaster assistance for Durack communities

Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price has welcomed an announcement that southern Gascoyne communities impacted by severe flooding in late April would receive additional disaster assistance.

The assistance is being provided under the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

“Earlier this month, I announced disaster assistance for the communities of Exmouth, Yalgoo and the City of Greater Geraldton who were impacted by severe flooding on 26 and 27 April,” Ms Price said.

“Today, I am pleased that Federal Minister for Justice Michael Keenan and WA Premier Colin Barnett have worked together to announce this additional assistance for the Shires of Ashburton and Murchison.

“Each of these shires will receive assistance for the restoration and replacement of public assets, such as roads, homes, businesses and farms that were damaged during the storms.”

The range of assistance available, subject to eligibility, includes:

• Personal hardship and distress assistance for families and individuals
• Interest rate subsidies for small businesses and primary producers
• Freight subsidies for primary producers, and

• Financial assistance for local and state government authorities to assist with the restoration of damaged infrastructure and clean-up operations

Information about the range of assistance measures available can be found at www.dpc.wa.gov.au or on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au