Disaster relief available in wake of Esperance storm

8/1/07 Last week's storm event, which significantly affected Esperance and surrounds, has been declared a natural disaster.

8/1/07
Last week's storm event, which significantly affected Esperance and surrounds, has been declared a natural disaster.
Acting Emergency Services Minister Margaret Quirk said that with community recovery well under way, the process of relief funding could now begin for eligible people, businesses and local governments.
"Flood waters have significantly receded over the weekend and Government agencies, as well as local government, have worked extremely hard to restore essential services," Ms Quirk said.
"With this disaster relief system in place, people affected by the storm and flood can be reassured that they have the support of the State Government in helping bring life back to normal.
"Disasters like this can have a high personal impact on people, particularly those in the farming community who are already facing challenges associated with the drought.
"If people need to discuss concerns relating to issues beyond direct financial support, I would encourage them to seek assistance from the Department for Community Development."
The Minister added that it was important for individuals and businesses affected by the event to contact their insurers in the first instance.
The Fire and Emergency Services Authority administers the Western Australian Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements (WANDRA) which provide assistance to those who have suffered direct impact of a natural disaster.
Assistance through WANDRA is available in six categories. They are:

  • Personal hardship grants to individuals and families for emergency assistance, temporary accommodation, replacement of essential household contents and emergency repairs to the home to make it safe and habitable.
  • Primary Producers assistance - professional advice and other relief measures deemed relevant and appropriate.
  • Loan Interest Subsidies on loans for primary producers, small business owners and non-profit organisations.
  • Road Base Saturation Damage to local governments and State Government agencies - assistance for opening up costs and reinstatement of local and State roads.
  • Counter Disaster Operations to local governments and State Government agencies - assistance for responding over and above normal operating costs.
  • Essential Public Asset Restoration to local governments, State Government agencies and other eligible undertakings - assistance to restore uninsured public assets.

For more information or to apply for assistance contact the following agencies:
Individuals and Families:
  • Department for Community Development 1800 032 965

Small business:
  • WANDRA Administrator (08) 9323 9552.

Primary Producers:
  • Department of Agriculture 1800 198 231

Local Government (local road damage):
  • Main Roads Regional Office.
For information on WANDRA go to the FESA website at http://www.fesa.wa.gov.au/ phone FESA on (08) 9323 9815, (08) 9323 9552, freecall 1800 199 084, or e-mail wandra@fesa.wa.gov.au
Minister's office: 9213 7000