Albany and Plantagenet to receive disaster relief package saving ratepayers $1m in storm damage repairs

Great Southern local governments have been granted disaster recovery assistance after last month’s damaging storms. As well as the City of Albany, the shire of Plantagenet will receive help through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. Albany mayor Greg Stocks said the funding would save local ratepayers stumping up for bills which could reach $1 million. “I’m very grateful to have the funding,” he said. “It means we can cover repairs to uninsurable city assets like roads, footpaths and drains. The city had to reach a threshold of $600,000 damage to apply for the funding. The storm wreaked havoc across the region on March 13. Bob Tarr from the Bureau of Meterology said Albany recorded its highest single day of rainfall since records began with 126.4mm falling in 24 hours. Federal Emergency Management Minister Jenny McAllister said the funding would help councils recover and rebuild. “This includes repairing damage to the road network and ensuring community safety,” she said. “The Australian and WA governments are working closely to ensure communities get the support they need to recover.” WA Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia praised the emergency services. “The severe and sudden nature of these thunderstorms presented significant challenges and caused concentrated damage,” he said. “I’d like to commend the efforts of emergency services personnel who worked tirelessly to clear hazardous debris, repair critical infrastructure and provide assistance to affected residents. “I also want to acknowledge the resilience of these communities, and the State Government will now work with the Commonwealth to ensure they receive the support they need to recover from these severe weather events.”