Flooding Wreaks Havoc on Western Australia and Northern Territory

The Australian government has announced emergency financial relief for flood victims in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, following unprecedented flooding caused by ex-tropical Cyclone Ellie. The disaster has left towns and communities isolated, with widespread damage to infrastructure and homes.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged that the commonwealth would provide any support required by the WA and NT governments, as the Kimberley region struggles to recover from the devastating floodwaters. Under the joint commonwealth-state disaster recovery funding arrangements, state governments choose and deliver recovery options, which are then reimbursed by the commonwealth.

The affected regions in WA, including Derby West Kimberley, Broome, Wyndham East Kimberley, and Halls Creek, and the NT’s Victoria Daly area, are eligible for assistance through the program. This includes hardship and distress payments, assistance for those whose homes or belongings have been damaged, and support for councils and residents to clean up and restore public assets.

Albanese said the assistance will include temporary living expenses, $10,000 grants for housing replacements and repairs, and $10,000 for replacing essential items. He added that the total bill for recovery and repair is expected to be “very large,” including rebuilding inundated roads.

The disaster has also left many people without work, and they are now eligible for the disaster recovery allowance, a taxable fortnightly payment for up to 13 weeks. The emergency management minister, Murray Watt, said defence force aircrafts and troops are assisting with relocation and supply efforts, including helicopters and cargo planes.

As the Australian government works to provide support, the prime minister and emergency management minister will visit flooded communities in WA on Monday. The WA premier, Mark McGowan, described the flooding as “unprecedented” and “devastating,” warning that recovery efforts will take time.

The floods have caused significant destruction to community infrastructure and homes, with many properties lost to the rising waters. The Derby shire council president, Geoff Haerewa, said it has been difficult to assess the damage due to the challenging conditions on the ground. He expressed concern about the devastating losses of livestock, citing reports of dead cattle being washed up around the region.