Advanced payment of $93 million granted to WA to help local governments recover from natural disasters

In an effort to help local governments recover better from natural disasters the State Government will receive a $93 million advanced payment from the Commonwealth. The payment will be used by the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement WA to help local governments cover the costs to repair essential assets and infrastructure after a natural disaster. The news comes as a flood warning has been issued for the Kimberley. Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said the funds would help communities immediately rebuild key services and infrastructure after a natural disaster event. “In the aftermath of a disaster, it’s critical that communities can access quick, up-front payments for repairs,” he said. “I’ve met with many local government representatives whose communities have been impacted by fires, floods, and cyclones. “They say getting work done can be a major financial burden, an issue I’ve raised with the current and former Federal governments. The funding forms part of the Commonwealth Government’s $1.8 billion commitment to fast-track disaster recovery. Part of the money will help the Kimberely Floods Community with upfront costs. There are 31 active disaster events in WA.