Federal, State governments activate disaster assistance for shires of Coolgardie and Dundas after flooding

The Albanese and Cook governments have activated disaster recovery assistance for the shires of Coolgardie and Dundas after heavy rainfall and associated flooding affected the region in October. On October 5-6, a rain band that lasted 48 hours caused flooding and damage to road infrastructure and drainage systems. The persistent rainfall and flooding caused road closures and disruptions to critical transport and freight routes. To facilitate the recovery process, financial assistance has been made available under the Commonwealth-State jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to help the shires and Main Roads WA repair essential public assets that were damaged. Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the governments were working together to ensure the local councils and Main Roads WA had the financial backing they needed to restore vital roads and drainage infrastructure. “Heavy rainfall and flooding can have significant impacts on regional communities, so this assistance will help ease the financial burden and support a safe and steady recovery,” she said. “We’ll continue working closely with the WA Government to monitor the situation and provide further support if required.” WA Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia acknowledged the multi-agency response efforts. “I want to commend the co-ordinated efforts of local government and Main Roads who once again worked together to ensure the community’s safety,” Mr Papalia said. “Activation of this joint Commonwealth-State financial assistance will help reimburse the eligible costs associated with repairing the critical public infrastructure that these regional communities depend upon. “The State Government will continue to work with the Commonwealth and local government to support communities impacted by disasters through their recovery.”