Cyclone Fina wash up: Federal government readies disaster funding for Northern Territory
The full might of Australia's emergency response system has swung into action as authorities scramble to assess Cyclone Fina's destruction across the Territory.
Authorities are assessing the scale of destruction of Tropical Cyclone Fina, with work already underway to unlock disaster recovery funding for the Northern Territory.
Police will be on the ground in cyclone-hit regions as soon as its safe to assess power outages, damage, and any other issues needing immediate attention.
The Australian Defence Force is also on standby, with the NT government, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and ADF working closely to co-ordinate a response.
Police and ADF personnel were deployed to the first hit areas of the NT on Saturday, assisting the remote communities of Minjilang and Warruwi early that morning.
“The Albanese government stands ready to support the Northern Territory government with their response,” Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said.
“The Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) make provision for the Northern Territory to activate immediate financial assistance to assist local governments and communities to recover from disasters.”
“We are working with the Northern Territory government to provide support, including any requests for DRFA assistance that may be needed.
“We’ve had our NEMA officials embedded in the Northern Territory to assist with response. ADF personnel have been stationed to assist. We also have resources available through our National Stockpile should they be required.”
Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said Minister McBain had offered the federal government’s “full support”.
“I thanked her for that, and for the resources that they’re providing as part of a one team response – which is really important in times of emergencies,” she said.
“They are deeply embedded in our, response right now and, and will be in our recovery as well.”
Mrs Finocchiaro said it was too early to say what specific support would be provided.
“The impact assessments have to be done, and they may very well be quite different for each impacted community,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.
“That’s why it’s really important that our police do the surveys and impact assessments in the affected communities once the cyclone has passed, and then we work through what is required and what that response looks like.
“The federal government has certainly indicated that they’ll be working very closely with us to make sure that communities are restored.”
On Saturday the federal government lodged the paperwork to allow for disaster recovery funding to be released to individuals, small businesses, not-for-profits and primary producers.
Federal member for Solomon Luke Gosling said he was also receiving regular briefings on the cyclone.
“Territorians are experienced in preparing for weather events like this, and we’re already seeing people quietly getting on with the job – neighbours helping neighbours, volunteers and emergency crews doing what they do best, and local businesses and charities lending a hand,” he said.
“Our agencies are prepared, our communities are co-ordinated, and people are doing what’s needed to keep each other safe.”
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