The Leader of The Nationals WA, Shane Love MLA, is on the ground across his Mid-West electorate, inspecting damage from ex Tropical Cyclone Narelle and flooding of the Gascoyne River, and meeting directly with communities to assess the scale of recovery.
“My sincere thanks go to emergency services personnel who have worked tirelessly to support communities during and immediately after this event,” Mr Love said.
Speaking from Carnarvon, Mr Love welcomed the Cook Labor Government’s disaster recovery funding for the Shires of Exmouth, Carnarvon and Shark Bay, but said the Shire of Upper Gascoyne must also be made eligible.
“No community impacted by this event should be left behind. The Upper Gascoyne must be included in recovery support so pastoralists who have sustained significant damage to property and infrastructure are eligible for the financial assistance they urgently need.”
“While Shark Bay and Carnarvon avoided the worst, Coral Bay and surrounding pastoral stations have sustained significant damage.”
Mr Love said Coral Bay is facing serious challenges at a critical time.
“At least a dozen buildings have been damaged, food supplies are low and the local nursing post is operating on a limited basis,” he said.
“This community is already under pressure and now faces the loss of its peak Easter tourism period. More must be done, and it must be done quickly.”
Mr Love also called on the State Government to outline how affected communities will secure sufficient diesel supply to undertake the scale of clean up required.
“I note with some incredulity that the Cook Labor Government has announced yet another taskforce to deal with the state’s fuel crisis, this time headed by Minister Saffioti, who is clearly eager for a piece of the action.
“In Western Australia, we now have the Cook Government’s Industry Support Working Group, a WA Fuel Industry Operations Group, a seven-point plan and a Fuel Security State Controller.
“The Premier must clarify whether it is Minister Saffioti or Minister Sanderson responsible for fuel security in the Gascoyne, so the clean-up can happen in a timely and uninterrupted way and these communities can get back to business as soon as possible.”
Mr Love also called on the Minister for Agriculture to outline targeted support for primary producers.
“Fruit and vegetable growers and pastoralists across the Gascoyne have suffered extensive damage,” he said.
“The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has a critical role in recovery, and the Minister Hon Jackie Jarvis must clearly outline what support will be provided.”
“Given Minister Jarvis’s reluctance to provide meaningful support to the Gascoyne prior to this event, it is critical she now steps up with clear, immediate assistance.”
“These industries underpin the regional economy and food supply. They need certainty and support to recover quickly.”
Mr Love said he will continue working with affected communities and advocate firmly for support.
“My thoughts are with everyone across the Gascoyne. These communities are incredibly resilient, and they should have the full backing and support of government when it matters most.”