Shire of East Pilbara—Cyclone Zelia
442. Mr Shane Love to the Minister for Emergency Services:
Welcome back, minister. I refer to damage to the Shire of East Pilbara's road network of at least $60 million from Cyclone Zelia in February 2025, difficulties the shire is having in accessing emergency funding, and the shire's letter to the minister of 19 August, which the minister's office had been expecting, requesting a roundtable discussion to resolve this matter. I note that later today a representative from the Shire of East Pilbara will be here to appeal to the Parliament.
Will the minister act to convene a roundtable of state, federal and local representatives to resolve this issue as requested by the shire?
Mr Paul Papalia replied:
We will probably not, member. There is a process by which those funds are accessed, and it is actually federal government funding. The council must meet a list of obligations and requirements to demonstrate that the funding dedicated to recovery is used in the correct manner and meets the obligations of the legislation. At the state level, that process is overseen by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, which is in contact with the council and works closely with it. The process will be resolved as soon as the council provides the appropriate information.
443. Mr Shane Love to the Minister for Emergency Services:
I have a supplementary question. The council has provided reams of information. The problem is the assessment. Will the minister act to make sure that the emergency funding hits the mark in the East Pilbara?
Mr Paul Papalia replied:
I will act to ensure that funding provided by the federal government is provided in accordance with the law and the requirements. At a state level, all we do is deliver the funding once the federal government obligations have been met by the councils. It is not actually a state government matter.
That aside, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services works closely with the council and will, I am sure, provide it advice and assistance to ensure it is able to access the funds in due course.
