Minister says low Kalbarri cyclone grant pay out due to worker shortages and strict rules with Commonwealth

Disaster relief funding to victims of cyclone Seroja is still being rolled out at a drip-feed rate almost 17 months on from the destructive event. The latest figures reveal just $217,242 has been paid out so far from a $45 million scheme. The April 2021 category three cyclone tore through 133,000sqkm of the Mid West — twice the size of Tasmania — with winds up to 170km/h, destroyed hundreds of homes and properties. Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson claims progress on dispersing the $104.5 million joint State-Federal relief package is being hindered by factors outside of his control, including a shortage of construction workers and trades people, and strict arrangements with the Federal Government. As part of a $45m sub-package to help those underinsured with out-of-pocket expenses, 292 applications out of 432 have been approved. According to invoices as August 31, 12 of the 292 properties have completed repairs, equating to $217,242.25 of relief funding paid out in recovery and resilience grants. Under another scheme for clean-up assistance for uninsured residents, a total of $63,245 has been paid out so far. The Opposition pointed out that even if all current applications were paid out, it would leave about $40m of the $45m unallocated. Deputy Opposition Leader Shane Love said any remaining funds should be invested into rebuilding and boosting cyclone-affected communities. He flagged a $33m “transformational” project to redevelop Kalbarri’s foreshore. “The community is still seeking answers about how much of the funding has been disbursed directly to households and businesses,” he said. “My request . . . is that the minister guarantees these funds will be invested and retained in the impacted communities including Kalbarri.” Mr Love said communities were still hurting, noting the Shire of Northampton had recorded a 36 per cent drop in visitors between 2019 and 2021. A preferred proponent has been recently revealed for workers’ accommodation in Kalbarri, but the Opposition has questioned why it has taken so long to get to that point. “The communities are seeking answers. After such a traumatic experience, their patience is being tested by the ongoing lack of action and sense of shifting responsibility among ministers,” Mr Love said. “At a time of record Budget windfalls, how does it add up that communities of the Mid west are still waiting for their recovery?” Mr Dawson said funds under the joint recovery package could not be used for the purpose of economic stimulus or infrastructure construction that did not exist before the cyclone. “Unspent funds from the cyclone Seroja recovery package can be renegotiated between the Commonwealth and State governments for other Seroja recovery needs that meet the DRFA guidelines,” he said. Mr Dawson said the funding arrangements with the Commonwealth was a delicate process with “tightly constructed agreements” and the State would not risk endangering the funding program with application negligence. “I want to acknowledge the resilience of the community right across the Mid West and their patience and hard work. I also acknowledge those who are helping them through this journey,” he said. The State Government says $23m of the $104.5m package has been dispersed to date. The current deadline for works to be completed is June 30, 2023 although the State is currently in discussions with the Commonwealth to extend that cut-off date.