Agreement reached on C'wlth/State relief package for cyclone-affected areas

25/3/99
Prime Minister John Howard and Western Australian Premier Richard Court have today agreed on a special relief package for those affected by Cyclones Elaine and Vance.
Mr Howard and Mr Court reached agreement on the package during a tour of Exmouth, which provided the Prime Minister with a first-hand inspection of the extent of the damage caused to the town by Cyclone Vance.
The package - which is on top of existing natural disaster relief arrangements between the Commonwealth and the State - comprises:

• the arrangement of a $10 million Cyclone Elaine and Vance trust fund made up of $5 million from the Commonwealth and $5 million from the State;
• the fund will be used to assist in the reconstruction of community facilities, provision of temporary accommodation for homeless residents, business recovery and the restoration of essential services;
• the Federal Government will also provide ex gratia payments to people whose homes were destroyed or suffered major damage as a result of Cyclone Vance. This will apply to permanent residents of Onslow, Exmouth and pastoral properties. The payments will comprise $1,000 per adult (a maximum of two adults per household) and $200 per child.

Mr Court said he was extremely pleased by the Prime Minister's willingness to join with the WA Government in putting together a special package.
"The contribution of funds by both the State and Federal Governments will provide a significant boost to the recovery efforts in communities such as Exmouth, Onslow and Moora," the Premier said.
"The recovery effort is well under way and we are determined to get these towns and their residents back on their feet as quickly as possible."
Mr Court also announced that Steve Fewster, the current executive director of the State Emergency Services, will become the Exmouth recovery co-ordinator and will be based in Exmouth, where he will work alongside the local shire.
Media Contact: Casey Cahill 9222 9475