[1]
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is assisting Western Australian primary industries affected by the impact of Tropical Cyclone Seroja, as part of a whole-of-government response to the severe weather event.
Tropical Cyclone Seroja has caused significant damage to communities in the Goldfields-Midlands and Midwest Gascoyne regions. The focus is now on recovery to make the impacted areas safe and support the communities to get back on their feet. For information on the broad range of services to assist with recovery visit the Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ Cyclone Seroja Recovery webpage [2].
Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements WA – Primary Producer Recovery Grant – NEW
Reimbursement grants of up to $25,000 are available to eligible primary production businesses directly impacted by Severe Tropical Cyclone Seroja to assist with the clean up cost associated with removing debris and resuming operations.
The ‘Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements WA – Primary Producer Recovery Grant’ program is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and State Governments, under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
The grants are available to primary production businesses located in the 16 local government areas impacted by Severe Tropical Cyclone Seroja.
Click here for more information, the eligibility criteria and to make an application [3].
Premier’s Grant – Severe Tropical Cyclone Seroja Residential Relief Payment – CLOSED
The State Government is providing a one-off payment of $4000 per household to residents (owners or tenants) who had their primary place of residence damaged or destroyed, including those on farming properties. The payment is to assist with expenses, such as securing temporary accommodation, purchasing food and securing emergency transport.
To find out if you are eligible and submit a Residential Payment application click here [4].
TC Seroja 2021 – Primary industries damage assessment/impact survey – CLOSED
The survey has been completed and the period for submissions has now closed.
DPIRD has assessed the data and will provide a report for the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) to inform considerations about possible future recovery support measures.
Stay up to date with developments by revisiting this page or visit the DFES Cyclone Seroja Recovery page [5].
Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements
A number of Mid West and Wheatbelt local government areas have been made eligible to receive financial assistance through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
This includes the local government areas of Carnamah, Carnarvon, Chapman Valley, Coorow, Dalwallinu, Dandaragan, Greater Geraldton, Irwin, Koorda, Mingenew, Morawa, Mount Marshall, Northampton, Perenjori, Shark Bay and Three Springs.
A range of other practical assistance measures are available, such as grants for professional advice, interest rate subsidies, freight subsidies, fencing reimbursement and other measures.
For more information see Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements [6] or refer to measures to assist primary producers [3]. An overview of the Assistance for Primary Producers – Disaster Funding Recovery Arrangements Western Australia [7] is also available.
Animals in Emergencies State Support Plan
DPIRD has activated the Animals in Emergencies State Support Plan to coordinate animal welfare efforts and provide affected Local Governments with additional resources to attend to issues arising from the impact of the cyclone.
All animal welfare issues for livestock and companion animals should be directed to Local Government shires and cities.
For more information see Animal welfare in emergencies [8].
Issues arising from TC Seroja
DPIRD is working with the Grower Group Alliance and Regional Development Commissions to identify any issues that have or may emerge from the impact of TC Seroja on agribusinesses and primary industries.
If your agricultural business has been impacted by TC Seroja please contact your local DPIRD office or email tcseroja@dpird.wa.gov.au [9]
Financial support and wellbeing
A range financial, family and wellbeing support services are available, which are listed on our Rural Support Services webpage [10].