- $250,000 to NSW bushfire appeal
The Western Australian Government will donate $250,000 to help victims of the fires in New South Wales.
Premier Colin Barnett said fire had destroyed more than 200 homes in NSW in the past week and one man had died while protecting his property. There was the prospect of further losses with scores of fires still burning in the Lithgow and Blue Mountains regions, prompting the NSW Government to declare a State of Emergency last night.
Mr Barnett said WA was also ready to send available Fire and Emergency Services personnel to assist with further fire operations or recovery efforts, should an official request be received.
"Our firefighters are ready to go if they are needed to lend their expertise. This donation of $250,000 for the victims of the bushfires is one way we can show our immediate support," the Premier said.
"I am sure that the devastation in NSW will have resonated with the people of WA, who would have watched news reports coming from the fire front with a great deal of concern and sympathy.
"On behalf of all West Australians I would like to express our support for the communities in NSW that have been devastated by these fires."
Mr Barnett said it was appropriate to extend a helping hand to the people of NSW in this terrible circumstance.
"Many of us in WA know what it is like to have to battle bushfires and unfortunately, many of us also know what it is like to lose property to fire," he said.
"This disaster will have a devastating impact on many communities and the State Government would like to do what it can to help them to rebuild.
"We Australians have a tremendous ability to come together in times of natural disaster and support each other in overcoming the challenges that lie ahead."
The State Government contributed to appeals for several natural disasters, including the Victorian bushfires in 2009, the Queensland floods in 2011 and the Tasmanian bushfires earlier this year. The Government also made donations to the Lord Mayor's Distress Relief Fund for emergencies in WA.
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