Premier Colin Barnett has declared a State Natural Disaster in the fire affected region of Perth's hills.
Mr Barnett confirmed the impact of the fires on the community met the criteria to be declared an 'Eligible Natural Disaster' for the purposes of the Western Australia Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (WANDRRA).
WANDRRA is administered by FESA with assistance from other agencies, and provides help to people who have suffered the direct impact of a declared natural disaster.
"Whilst the level of WANDRRA funding is still being assessed, it is important for people to be aware early that the State Government will stand with them to ensure they get the assistance they deserve," the Premier said.
Mr Barnett said the Government would also provide immediate financial help to people affected by the fire.
"In addition to the WANDRRA funding, families will be able to get immediate access to assistance through the Department for Child Protection," he said.
Up to $3,000 in further financial assistance would also be available for families who lost their principal place of residence, with $1,000 available to families who have had significant damage to their principal place of residence. This payment will be administered by the City of Armadale on behalf of the Government and residents should contact the city.
"It is important to note that this is not a part of WANDRRA but an extra initiative that this Government is taking due to the extent of the fire," the Premier said.
The City of Perth Lord Mayor's Distress Relief Fund has launched the Perth Hills Bushfire appeal so that the community can offer their assistance to those affected by the fire. Donations can be made at any Bankwest branch and further information will be available at the City of Perth website later today.
Mr Barnett said he wanted to thank the community for responding to the warnings and advice to evacuate where necessary.
"I would like to thank all FESA personnel, WA Police, St John Ambulance, those in local government, Western Power and the Department of Environment and Conservation for their ongoing efforts in fighting what remains a dangerous and out of control fire.
"I also thank the Victorian Government for the assistance which they will be providing to this Government in the form of aerial support and fire fighting personnel."
Support available under WANDRRA includes:
Personal Support
· the provision of emergency assistance including emergency accommodation, food, essential clothing and other personal items
· temporary living expenses
· housing repairs
· replacement of household furniture.
Local Governments
· replacement cost of essential public asset and local governments associated with the fire.
To apply for assistance or for more information contact the following agencies:
Personal support: Department of Child Protection - 1800 199 008
WANDRRA Administrator - (08) 9323 9552 email: wandrra@fesa.wa.gov.au or visit http://www.fesa.wa.gov.au
Premier's office - 9222 9475
Video link
