State Government launches multiple payments to help communities recovery after ex-tropical cyclone Narelle

Multiple streams of disaster relief have been opened up for individuals and businesses affected by ex-severe tropical cyclone Narelle which devastated Exmouth in late March. The weather event saw severe damage to homes and businesses across Exmouth, and major disruptions to power and water in the small tourist town. While there was still a water outage on Pellew Street and parts of Carter Road, Murat Road, Pelias Street and Craft Street in Exmouth on April 13 according to the Water Corporation, Horizon Power has confirmed power has now been restored to all homes within Exmouth. However, there are a small number of customers currently without power due to behind‑the‑meter electrical faults, where power cannot be safely reconnected until customers arrange repairs by a licensed electrician. The Premier’s Natural Disaster Recovery Fund has been activated for the first time, offering $20,000 payments for individuals whose homes have been severely damaged or destroyed, and a $10,000 for those who have suffered major damage. Community groups and small businesses can access a payment of a minimum $5000 to help with repairs and recovery. The monetary support payments are in addition to the to the Premier’s Relief Payment and the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements for households and businesses impacted by the weather event. Premier Roger Cook said the additional payments aim to provide immediate assistance while those affected by the cyclone wait on insurance payouts. “The damage caused by ex-severe tropical cyclone Narelle was confronting and created an incredibly challenging situation for the residents across the impacted regions,” he said. Tourist operators affected by Narelle were also receiving a boost to help with their recovery efforts with $1.45 million allocated for tour operators, experiences and attractions, and accommodation providers within the Shire of Exmouth, Shire of Carnarvon including Coral Bay, Shire of Ashburton and the Shire of Upper Gascoyne. Payments of up to $10,000 are available for businesses with under four staff and up to $20,000 for businesses with four or more employees. A voucher program offering visitors 50 per cent off select tours and experiences has also been launched in addition to a marketing campaign to encourage tourists to come to the disaster-affected region. Tourism Minister Reece Whitby said tourism was critical to the region’s economy and is one of its biggest employers. “We encourage all West Australians to support tourism businesses by visiting the region and helping this iconic part of the State get back to what it does best, which is offering an incredible tourism experience,” he said. On April 9, roads and flights to Exmouth officially reopened less than two weeks after the cyclone made landfall. Parts of the Minilya-Exmouth Road were opened by Main Roads allowing for road trips from Perth through to Exmouth via the North West Coastal Highway and Burkett Road. Shire of Exmouth deputy president Jackie Brooks also encouraged visitors to return to the tourist town. “We welcome visitors back into Exmouth to continue sharing the many wonders our town and coastline have to offer. At this time, we ask for your co-operation, understanding and patience,” she said. “The best thing you can do to support Exmouth and Ningaloo is to keep your booking with tour providers, reschedule if needed, confirm accommodation before anything else, tread lightly and spend locally when you visit our still-recovering region.” The shire said as the coastal community was built on small businesses and people who “cared passionately” about the town and nature, it was important returning visitors kept that front of mind. Tourism Council WA celebrated the decision to reopen the town to visitors and looked forward to welcoming people back. Chief executive Evan Hall said Qantas flights to Learmonth Airport had resumed with passenger screening for regular services approved by the Federal Department of Home Affairs. “We encourage families and caravaners to head north for their school holiday and Anzac Day long weekend road trips,” he said. “Your road trip is a huge part of the economic recovery of cyclone-affected towns.”