Support under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) is now available to disaster-affected communities in the South-West after a storm tore through the region in August.
In a statement, the DRFA said the City of Busselton and Shire of Augusta Margaret River would receive the assistance.
A series of cold fronts with associated gale-force winds and heavy rainfall passed through the South-West between 1 and 3 August, with wind gusts which damaged homes, roads and public infrastructure.
About 2,000 homes experienced power outages.
State Minister for Emergency Services, Stephen Dawson said that in difficult circumstances, service volunteers did an incredible job to keep Western Australians safe, working around the clock to clear debris and provide vital repairs to damaged homes.
“The WA Government will now work alongside the Commonwealth to ensure disrupted communities are supported in their recovery journey,” Mr Dawson said.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt agreed with Mr Dawson, saying the storm left Local Governments with a major clean-up operation.
“The support under the joint funding arrangements will enable the City of Busselton and Shire of Augusta Margaret River to rebuild and restore damaged public assets,” Senator Watt said.
“The winds from this storm were much stronger and longer lasting than a typical cold front, disrupting essential services.”
He said many people went without electricity for extended periods, while commuters had to take long detours when arterial roads were closed due to debris.
