The Western Australian government has announced that residents of Exmouth who were battered by Cyclone Narelle will receive double the usual extended power outage payment. The decision comes after the remote coastal town was left without electricity for an extended period following the severe weather event.
Extended Outage Compensation
Under the revised payment scheme, affected households will receive $960, double the standard $480 payment for extended power outages. The payment is intended to help cover costs such as food spoilage, alternative accommodation, and other expenses incurred during the outage.
Cyclone Narelle, which crossed the coast near Exmouth last week, caused widespread damage to infrastructure, including power lines. Many residents were without electricity for several days, prompting the state government to provide additional financial support.
Government Response
Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said the government recognized the significant impact the prolonged outage had on the community. “We understand that being without power for an extended period is incredibly challenging, especially in a remote location like Exmouth,” he said. “This increased payment will help ease the financial burden on residents.”
The payment is available to residential customers who were without power for more than 48 hours. Eligible residents can apply through the Department of Communities or the relevant utility provider.
Community Reaction
Local residents have expressed relief at the announcement, with many describing the outage as one of the worst in recent memory. “We lost all our food and had to stay with friends,” said one resident. “The extra money will definitely help.”
Businesses in Exmouth also suffered losses due to the outage, and the government is considering additional support for commercial operators. “We are looking at what more we can do to help local businesses get back on their feet,” Minister Dawson added.
Cyclone Narelle brought destructive winds and heavy rainfall, causing flooding and structural damage. Recovery efforts are ongoing, with crews working to restore power and repair damaged infrastructure. The government has urged residents to remain vigilant and report any hazards to authorities.
