Northern Australia minister visit to flood-ravaged WA

Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King has visited Broome and Fitzroy Crossing to meet with affected community members and see first-hand the damage caused by last month’s flooding, accompanied by the Member for Durack, Melissa Price. 

Widespread flood damage caused by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie continues to impact significant parts of the Kimberley region, causing disruption and displacement for the thousands of people who live in the multitude of smaller First Nations communities across the north-west.

Minister King paid tribute to the courage and the resilience of communities devastated by the extreme weather.

“I feel deeply for those whose Homelands, homes and businesses have been impacted and thank the emergency services personnel, community groups and locals who are all part of the recovery efforts.

“The Australian Government is providing support to impacted communities, whether it’s help for people whose homes have been damaged, personal hardship and distress payments, or support for local councils and residents to help with the costs of the clean up and recovery.

“As Minister for Northern Australia, I can assure you that the Australian Government will continue to stand by the communities of the Kimberley region in the months ahead, and work with you to rebuild."

Assistance under Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements is available in four local government areas affected by heavy rainfall associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie, including Broome, Wyndham East Kimberley, Halls Creek and Derby West Kimberley.

The Australian Defence Force is providing three transport aircrafts, five helicopters as well as three planners and 30 general duties personnel to support flood relief operations in the Kimberley region, with the aircraft operating out of Broome.

Services Australia staff can also assist people face-to-face in Fitzroy Crossing, from the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) building on Emanuel Way, at Derby Service Centre (44 Clarendon Street) and Broome Service Centre (14 Napier Terrace).

For more information on support available, visit the Disaster Assist website.