Published on Monday, 16 November 2020 at 3:42:12 PM
The storm event that caused significant damage to Mount Shadforth Road has been proclaimed an eligible disaster under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements Western Australia (DRFAWA). The State Government provides financial assistance to those people who have been affected through joint State and Commonwealth disaster relief and recovery arrangements. The Shire of Denmark has been included in the proclamation.
The South Coast of Western Australia experienced storms resulting in severe weather and record-breaking rainfall over 48 hours from the 3-4 August 2020. Heavy rains and strong winds resulted in more than 4,300 properties without power, over 30 calls for assistance and flooding in the Shire of Denmark and the City of Albany.
Eligible funding typically covered by the DRFAWA includes clean-up costs and the restoration or replacement (to pre-disaster function) of essential public assets including local road damage. Early damage estimates for the Shire of Denmark are more than $1,000,000.
The restoration works will be funded solely by DRFAWA. This is great for Denmark ratepayers, ensuring they are not exposed to financial costs associated with the storm event. However, audit requirements for the scheme are strict and can result in extended timeframes before some works can commence.
Director Assets and Sustainable Development, David King, said, “It is expected that minor works including re-sheeting gravel roads and drain clearing will be completed in the 2020/21 financial year. However, more significant failures, including the landslide on Mt Shadforth Road, involve detailed design, specialist contractor skills and tender processes and is therefore likely be constructed in the 2021/22 financial year. Unfortunately, this means the traffic signals on Mount Shadforth Road will be in place for at least 12 months.”
Residents are asked to be patient and adhere to the traffic signals on Mount Shadforth Road.
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