More people able to access Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund

Published on 14 April 2021

A rapid disbursement of $10,000 has been made available to people that suffered partial structural damage to property during the recent Wooroloo and Hills bushfires.

The decision by the Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund (LMDRF) Board means that owner occupiers who suffered partial damage to their place of residence, or who suffered other property damage and loss, will receive $10,000 immediately.

That includes damage to verandahs, gutter downpipes, outdoor decking, sheds, fencing, water tanks, machinery, pumps, tools, power poles and telecommunications.

Occupiers who suffered partial damage, or loss of contents such as sheds, tools, machinery and other equipment are also eligible to receive $10,000.

The LMDRF has received 84 applications from people in the Shire of Mundaring and City of Swan who suffered other property loss or partial structural damage to their place of residence.

Already owner occupiers who experienced the total loss of their home have received two payments of $25,000 with the second payment designed to meet personal needs and circumstance including contributing towards accommodation costs such as a rental property or temporary on-site accommodation.

People are also being encouraged to spend the money in their local community.

LMDRF Board Chair and City of Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas said the Board, combined with the Shire of Mundaring and City of Swan, was working as quickly as possible to ensure that the people that needed relief the most were receiving it.

“While I have been thrilled by the community support and donations coming in, I have been equally proud of the ability to disburse money as quickly and effectively as possible,” he said.

“I thank people for being patient and remind them that every dollar that comes in will go out to those that need it most.”

City of Swan Mayor Kevin Bailey said this extra cash injection will help residents get back on their feet and to rebuild.

"On behalf of the City of Swan community, I sincerely thank the Lord Mayor and the generous people of Western Australia for your continued  support," he said.

"The State-Government led residential clean-up program is also well underway, with debris being cleared from properties to make way for environmental recovery and rebuilding."

Shire of Mundaring President John Daw said this money will greatly assist residents who have been impacted by partial damage including loss of fencing and sheds.

"It’s fantastic to see the Lord Mayors Distress Relief Fund Board thinking of out of the box solutions in how they can help our residents, and it is greatly appreciated," he said.

“The money that has been raised truly represents the generosity of the people of Western Australia. We are very thankful.”

For more information about the Wooroloo bushfire recovery, visit www.swan.wa.gov.au/bushfire2021 or www.mundaring.wa.gov.au/Wooroloo-Fire