New round of emergency financial assistance opens for Kimberley flood victims

Giovanni Torre
Giovanni Torre Published March 14, 2023 at 7.38am (AWST)

Applications are now open for the Western Australian government's $1,000 payments to provide emergency financial assistance to West Kimberley residents whose homes were damaged by flooding caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie.

The massive flooding caused severe damage across the region in January, rendering many homes uninhabitable, destroying household items, and also disrupting vital supply lines.

People aged 18 and above are eligible for payments of $1,000 if they live in a property damaged by flooding associated with Ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie. The payments will be provided on a debit card which can be used to fund the replacement of items such as clothing, tools, household goods, and other personal items.

Applications can be made online, over the phone, in person via outreach to communities, or at the "Flood Hubs" in Broome, Fitzroy Crossing and Derby.

Information about eligibility, the application process, and where and when you can access support to complete your application, is available online.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services will work with the Department of Communities and Shire of Derby-West Kimberley to provide on-the-ground support for residents to complete the application process over the next few weeks.

Kimberley MP Divina D'Anna said the "Premier's Payment" is an addition to other government support for flood affected residents in the Kimberley, and will assist those who have suffered loss or damage to personal items by flooding.

"The recovery and rebuilding process is a difficult time for anyone who has lost their belongings and personal items through flooding and I am sure that people will welcome this payment which will alleviate some of the financial pressure being felt by individuals and families," she said.

Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said the payment is "one of a series of supports" being offered to Kimberley residents.

"The payment will help those affected replace personal items damaged and destroyed by this devastating flooding event," he said.

"We're continuing to work closely with local communities and Traditional Owners through this complex recovery process."

WA Premier Mark McGowan said his government is committed to helping the local community recover from "this unprecedented natural disaster".

"These payments which are activated at a state level will support the immediate needs of residents and are in addition to other assistance measures," he said.

"It's a challenging and upsetting time for residents as they return to their homes, but we know these communities are resilient. This immediate financial support will relieve the burden and help those affected get back on their feet."

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