Joint media release with the Hon Paul Papalia CSC MLA
Western Australian primary producers who were impacted by Severe Tropical Cyclone (STC) Narelle are now eligible for a new recovery grant.
The Disaster Recovery Assistance Program for Primary Producers, which is jointly funded by the Albanese and Cook Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), has made available a grant of up to $40,000 for each impacted local primary producer to help cover the costs of eligible clean-up and reinstatement activities directly resulting from the cyclone.
Up to $5.8 million will be made available in grants for eligible primary producers in the shires of Exmouth, Carnarvon, Shark Bay, Ashburton and Upper Gascoyne.
It is in addition to support already announced for eligible primary producers, which includes a subsidy of up to 50 per cent to help cover the costs that are a direct result of the disaster for transporting fodder or water for livestock or equipment to repair damaged buildings or fences, as well as an interest rate subsidy on new loans taken out to repair damaged assets or business carry on costs.
More information about the grant program and other recovery assistance can be found at the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Recovery WA.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said both levels of government were continuing to support those impacted by the last higher risk weather season.
“The Albanese Government is committed to the long-term recovery, working with the Western Australian Government to support those impacted by this severe tropical cyclone,” Minister McBain said.
“Primary producers are the lifeblood of our regional areas so it’s important that we do what we can to provide them the help they need to bounce back.
“These grants will help them with activities to clean up damage and debris and reinstate their operations to get back to producing as quickly as possible.”
Western Australian Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia said the State Government recognised the challenges primary producers had faced in the aftermath of STC Narelle, so it was important to help support them through the recovery.
“These grants will deliver vital support to the region’s primary producers, helping cover the costs of clean-up and keeping production on track,” Minister Papalia said.
“Primary producers are central to regional communities, supporting local jobs and contributing essential goods and services to the economy.
“Without assistance the cost of clean-up and repairs may delay the return to normal operations, with broader impacts on local employment and economic activity.
“That’s why we’ve been working closely with the Australian Government to develop a support program that helps impacted primary producers get back on their feet as soon as possible.”
Western Australian Agriculture and Food, Fisheries, and Forestry Minister Jackie Jarvis said primary producers are incredibly resilient, but many businesses still need support to recover.
“This funding will help eligible producers undertake essential clean-up and reinstatement works so they can get their operations back on track as quickly as possible.
“Agriculture is a cornerstone of regional Western Australia and supporting producers through recovery helps protect local jobs, businesses and communities.”
