State and Commonwealth disaster recovery funding open to Greater Geraldton after June rainfall

The City of Greater Geraldton will be able to access disaster recovery funding after heavy rainfall earlier this year. A cold front in June caused 148.2mm of rain to fall at Geraldton Airport for the month according to the Bureau of Meteorology, while 215.8mm fell in Mullewa during the same timeframe. In a joint venture between the State and Federal Governments, financial assistance will be given to the city to help with the costs of repairs to roads and other assets. The city will be able to seek reimbursement for some projects relating to repairs due to flooding. Federal Emergency Management Minister Jenny McAllister said it was important to reduce the impact of the flooding. “The Albanese Government is committed to supporting the City of Greater Geraldton and surrounding communities impacted by this severe weather event,” she said. “Communities in the City of Greater Geraldton have undoubtedly felt the impacts of this severe flooding event. With widespread damage to local transport networks, it’s important that they are connected again as soon as possible. “The financial support activated today will allow the council to focus on community recovery efforts, and we will continue to look to supporting councils and communities on their recovery journey.” Some areas of Greater Geraldton were flooded as a result of the heavy rainfall, with potholes forming in several areas. State Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said the funding would help repairs in Greater Geraldton. “Activating the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement would ensure the City of Greater Geraldton would be supported by both the State and Commonwealth Governments,” he said. “The rain band associated with the cold front caused more than 100mm of rainfall, which can have a significant impact on local road networks. “The DRFA will provide much-needed support to the city as it works to repair the damage to roads and other transport infrastructure.”