Governments splash $55million to fund WA’s disaster resilience, protection projects

The Federal Government has pledged $55 million to fund 26 different projects across WA aimed at better preparing the State and protecting it from future extreme and destructive bushfires, floods and storms.

A purpose-built community emergency resilience centre in the east Kimberley, which will provide a central location to support Indigenous communities that become isolated in disasters, is one of the biggest winners of the latest round of the disaster-ready fund, receiving a $5.3 million boost.

A Kununurra regional multi-purpose emergency evacuation centre has had a $14.1 million injection greenlit.

Other projects include the South West Doppler radar project, a storm surge barrier in Bunbury, a micro-grid and a Fremantle coastal resilience program.

More than $600,000 will go towards developing the next phase of WA’s tsunami warning system.

Emergency Management Minister Jenny McAllister said the funding was part of Labor’s commitment to protect WA communities from disasters.

“We know that our climate is changing, and Australians can expect to experience more intense and more frequent natural disasters, which is why the Albanese Government is acting to prepare and protect communities from natural disasters and their impacts,” she said.

Across the country, about $386 million in grants will be issued as part of the latest round of funding.

“By working with all levels of government to make significant investments in mitigation projects, we are reducing the risks and impacts Australians face during disasters. This means better outcomes for communities while reducing clean up and recovery costs,” she said.

WA Emergency Service Minister Stephen Dawson said all corners of the state would benefit from the initiatives.

“With a changing climate we are experiencing more extreme and destructive bushfires, floods and storms and this funding will help fuel key projects from strengthening evacuation centres to flood mitigation, improving intelligence and bolstering frontline emergency services facilities,” he said.