Bunbury tornado recovery gets boost as State and Federal Governments activate recovery assistance

Bunbury will get additional support from the State and Federal Governments as the city recovers from the freak tornado which damaged more than 200 houses. Disaster recovery assistance was announced a week on from the May 10 storm on Friday, and will allow more help to go to affected people, families, businesses and government agencies. WA Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said the assistance was much-needed. “The tornado’s location and scale of damage make this an extremely rare event and it has significantly impacted more than 200 households in the Bunbury community,” he said. “For many residents, the recovery journey will be a long one. “With this in mind, we’re working closely with the Commonwealth Government to ensure those affected by this severe storm get the support they need to recover.” Assistance will be available to provide emergency accommodation, food, clothing and personal effects, as well as personal and financial support services. Small businesses affected can apply for interest rate subsidies on a new loan to support recovery because of damage. Despite most of the damage being in residential areas, primary producers who have been affected are also included in the scheme. They can access assistance for professional advice alongside subsidies on freight, interest rates for new loans, and livestock fencing. Federal Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt said Canberra was prepared to provide support for the community. “When severe weather events catch communities off-guard, our Government will always work with WA to ensure suitable assistance is delivered,” he said. “I am pleased to work with our Western Australian colleagues to get assistance on the ground as soon as possible to support the region in their recovery.” The funding will be on top of the existing $4000 relief payments made available by the State Government in the tornado’s immediate aftermath. Premier Roger Cook said it was heartening to see how the community banded together in tough times. “I’m immensely proud of how the local Bunbury community has come together to support each other in the wake of this devastating weather event,” he said. “My Government will do whatever we can to support those impacted. “Our Premier’s Payments scheme has already been triggered to provide immediate assistance, and I’m grateful to the Albanese Government for their support in the next stage of the recovery journey.”