Disaster Assistance for South Australia

Federal Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP and South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill today announced that joint Commonwealth-State disaster assistance is available in response to the Pinery fire in the lower mid-north region of the state that commenced on 25 November 2015.

Mr Pyne said that today’s announcement means that the Australian Government will cost-share the emergency assistance announced by the Premier yesterday for fire-affected individuals and families under the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

“Recovering from natural disasters such as this is not just a local effort, but one that reaches nationwide,” Mr Pyne said.

Mr Weatherill confirmed that affected individuals in the local government areas of Mallala, Light, Clare and Gilbert Valleys and Wakefield can now access emergency grants of up to $280 per adult and $140 per child, to a maximum of $700 per family, to assist with essential items such as food and clothing.

“The emergency grants will help with immediate and essential needs when individuals and families are unable to provide for themselves,” Mr Weatherill said.

Up to two weeks’ emergency accommodation is also available for individuals and families unable to return to their homes due to damage, road closures and the like.

Personal and financial counselling is also available to those suffering the effects of the fire.

Mr Weatherill said this is a very difficult time for many South Australians, and these payments will go some way to assisting those affected by the fire with their recovery.

Assistance is also available for the affected local councils to assist with the costs of restoring damaged essential public assets and recovery activities undertaken to protect their communities.

“Although conditions have eased, bushfire remains one of the greatest risks to public safety in South Australia so it is imperative that we all remain vigilant and are able to activate our bushfire plans quickly,” Mr Weatherill said.

South Australians affected by this fire can access the services they need by calling the SA Bushfire Recovery Hotline number on 1800 302 787 or at www.sa.gov.au.

“The Australian and South Australian Governments will continue to work together to ensure bushfire affected communities receive the support and assistance they need to recover,” Mr Pyne said.

Further information regarding disaster assistance can be located on the Australian Government's Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au and the South Australian Government’s website on www.sa.gov.au.