Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the Australian Government will provide further financial assistance to assist with the re-establishment of the Warmun community, which was impacted by flooding in March.
Mr McClelland said the Australian Government will share the cost of the development of a $15 million temporary emergency accommodation project for the community with the State Government.
The assistance will be provided through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) and means work can commence immediately on a 200-bed accommodation facility.
“The infrastructure Warmun was significantly damaged following the floods in March, with many residents forced to evacuate to Kununurra,” Mr McClelland said.
“A temporary village will be developed to house evacuees while their homes are being rebuilt.
“The development of this village will allow Warmun residents to return to their town while community infrastructure is being rebuilt.”
“The Australian Government will reimburse Western Australia for 50 per cent of the cost of the development of the temporary emergency accommodation through the NDRRA.”
Through the NDRRA, the Commonwealth will also assist with the cost of rebuilding damaged community infrastructure. Commonwealth assistance may cover up to 75 per cent of the cost to rebuild the Warmun community, once thresholds are met.
“A Warmun Re-Establishment Taskforce has been established to coordinate efforts to rebuild housing and infrastructure damaged by the floods. The Government believes a community-led approach is essential to the successful recovery of Warmun,” Mr McClelland said.
“The taskforce will continue to work closely with the Warmun community and contractors to employ as many local community members as possible in the clean-up and reconstruction.”
This assistance is in addition to the assistance already available under the NDRRA for individuals, small businesses and primary producers impacted by this flood event.
The Australian Government will continue to work closely with the Western Australian Government to ensure that affected communities have access to support.
Contact: Ryan Liddell – 02 6277 7300
