Further funding support for Warmun

The remote community of Warmun in Western Australia will receive more than $8 million from Australian Government to help with its recovery following recent floods.

The Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, announced the funding during a visit to Kununurra today, where she met with Warmun community members.

The funding will be provided over two years under the Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) program.

It will go towards projects that will help with the economic and social development of the community, such as building and restoring facilities, while also creating opportunities for locals to develop vital skills to contribute to their community.

The Government is working together with the local community to identify suitable projects.

The Australian Government has also provided $140,000 directly to Warmun Aboriginal Community Inc to help with rebuilding, and a further $55,240 for child and youth workers, sporting equipment and support for playgroups.

This funding is helping to employ additional staff to assist in the recovery process as well as covering the cost of repairs and maintenance to machinery and small plant and equipment.

The Australian Government is also working closely with the Warmun Aboriginal Community Re-establishment Taskforce established by the Western Australian State Government to coordinate the recovery effort to rebuild housing and infrastructure damaged by the flooding.

The Australian Government will share the cost of the development of a $15 million temporary emergency accommodation project for the community of Warmun with the State Government.

Through the National Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA), the Commonwealth will also assist with the cost of rebuilding damaged community infrastructure. Commonwealth assistance may cover up to 75 per cent of the cost to rebuild the Warmun community, once thresholds are met.

The Australian Government will continue to work with the Western Australian Government to support the Warmun residents and to ensure their safe return to their community.