CYCLONE
SEROJA — RECOVERY GRANTS
60. Hon MARTIN ALDRIDGE to the Minister for Emergency Services:
I refer to the $104.5 million disaster recovery package for
cyclone Seroja impacted communities and the answer to Legislative Council question on notice 449 asked on 14 December 2021,
which indicates that less than one per cent of funding has been directly
dispersed to families, businesses and communities 10 months on from this
disaster.
(1) What is
the total amount to date of the $104.5 million disaster recovery funding
arrangements that have been dispersed directly to applicants?
(2) How many
applications have been submitted that are still awaiting approval?
(3) What
action is the minister taking to ensure disaster funding is reaching those in
need in a timely manner?
Hon SAMANTHA ROWE replied:
I thank the member for some notice of the question. I provide
the following answer on behalf of the Minister for Emergency Services.
(1) As of 17
February 2022, $756 842.93 has been dispersed directly to applicants. This is a
reimbursement grant program. Funds cannot be dispersed until costs are incurred
by the applicant.
(2) A total of
338 applications are awaiting approval. This is a reimbursement grant program.
Final approval cannot occur until the works are completed and an invoice is
provided.
(3) In addition to the disaster recovery funding
arrangements grants, $20 585 672 has been paid for immediate financial
relief. Four community recovery hubs have been established to provide direct
support and case management to impacted persons and agency representatives
regularly visit the affected regions. Grant programs have been promoted through
a variety of media channels as well as community meetings to provide
information and identify barriers to uptake. Regular engagement with suppliers,
contractors and builders has occurred as well as liaison and advocacy with the
insurance industry.