Joint Commonwealth-State disaster recovery funding available for flood-affected Mid West Gascoyne areas

Mid West and Gascoyne communities impacted by flooding earlier this year can now access disaster recovery funding.

Huge downpours of rain were recorded across the Murchison, Upper Gascoyne, Carnarvon and Yalgoo on March 26 because of a low pressure system moving through WA.

Joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding has been triggered, to help local governments, primary producers and small businesses recover.

Murgoo Station and Carnarvon Airport recorded up to 175mm of rain on April 2 and the Wooramel, Sanford, Murchison and Greenough Rivers subsequently overflowed, causing substantial damage to roads and drainage infrastructure.

Floodwaters saw the remote Aboriginal community of Pia Wadjarri, 330km from Geraldton, isolated for about two weeks, with essential supplies and medical aid needing to be flown in.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said funding would help relieve the financial pressure of recovery.

“Floodwaters leave a path of destruction in their wake and during this event many roads were damaged or closed due to dangerous conditions, restricting public access to fresh food and other resources,” he said.

“Activating the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements is about helping these regional communities get back on their feet by supporting repairs and rebuilding efforts.”

WA Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson praised everyone involved for a “seamless emergency response”.

“The WA Government co-ordinated a resupply to Pia Wadjarri, dropping off healthcare items and food via helicopter, while the Royal Flying Doctor Service provided medical assistance near Yalgoo,” he said.

“Western Australians living in remote and regional areas are some of the most resilient and resourceful people, and together with the help of emergency services, were able to respond to this challenging event.

“This financial support will help accelerate the recovery journey and restore important road networks that are vital to economic supply chains and linking communities to schools, jobs, hospitals and each other.”