The Morrison Government has extended the construction commencement requirement for the successful HomeBuilder program from six months to 18 months for all existing applicants, bringing the total level of expected Government support for the construction sector under the program to $2.5 billion.
 
The extension only applies to existing applicants and provides an additional 12 months to commence construction from the date that the building contract was signed. All applicants who signed contracts during the HomeBuilder eligibility period between 4 June 2020 and 31 March 2021 have this extension applied to them.
 
Applications closed on the 14th of April, however, applicants have until 30 April 2023 to submit all supporting documentation (such as invoices for work done, and proof that construction has started) to their State or Territory Revenue Office.
 
The supporting documentation will allow for the payment of the HomeBuilder grant. Timing of the payment depends on whether an application relates to a new build, substantial renovation or off-the plan / new home purchase.
 
More information on HomeBuilder can be found on the Treasury website.

The assistance may be available in the following local government area(s)
Carnamah, Chapman Valley, Greater Geraldton, Mingenew, Morawa, Perenjori and Three Springs

The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) provides one-off financial assistance to eligible Australians adversely affected by Tropical Cyclone Seroja.

The rate of AGDRP is $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child. Claims for this payment can be lodged with Services Australia for a period up to 6 months.

AGDRP is available for people who have been seriously injured, have lost their homes or whose homes have been directly damaged, whose major assets have been directly damaged or are the immediate family members of a person who has died as a direct result of Tropical Cyclone Seroja.

The Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) provides income support payments to employees, primary producers and sole traders who can demonstrate they have experienced a loss of income as a direct result of Tropical Cyclone Seroja.

DRA provides fortnightly payments for up to 13 weeks up to the applicable rate of JobSeeker Payment or Youth Allowance, depending on the person's circumstances.

DRA is available to Australian residents who are 16 years and older.

DRA is not available to those already receiving another income support payment or pension such as the Age Pension, JobSeeker Payment or Service Pension.

You have until 14 October 2021 to lodge a claim for AGDRP.

For more information on eligibility, visit the Services Australia website or contact the Australian Government Information Hotline on 180 22 66 for claims assistance.

The joint Australian, state and territory governments' Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) provide a range of financial assistance to the natural disaster-declared areas in each state or territory.

For Tropical Cyclone Seroja from 11 April 2021, the available assistance measures include:

• personal hardship and distress assistance
• demolition or rebuilding
• removal of debris
• extraordinary counter disaster operations
• personal and financial counselling
• counter disaster operations
• reconstruction of essential public assets
• interest rate subsidy to small businesses and primary producers
• freight subsidies for primary producers

For information on available recovery assistance, visit the Western Australia Department of Fire & Emergency Services website.

The Department of Communities Disaster and Emergency Support Services

Provides welfare services to eligible people impacted by an emergency through: emergency accommodation; catering; clothing; personal requisites (e.g. toiletries and pharmaceuticals); personal support services; and financial assistance for essential items.
Disaster Relief Hotline 1800 032 965 or email emergencyservices@communities.wa.gov.au  
 
Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment

A one-off, non-means tested payment of $1,000 for eligible adults and $400 for children affected by a disaster. To Claim call 180 22 66 https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/subjects/tropical-cyclone-seroja-april-2021
 
Disaster Recovery Allowance

A short-term income support payment to help individuals who can show that the disaster directly impacted their income. To Claim call 180 22 66 https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/subjects/tropical-cyclone-seroja-april-2021
 
Services Australia Payment and Service Finder

This online tool can be used to see what other payments and services are available, such as income support payments, child care subsidy and support for school aged children.
 
Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements Western Australia (DRFAWA)

The DRFAWA is a joint Commonwealth – State arrangement that provides financial assistance following eligible natural disaster or terrorist events. It provides specific relief and recovery measures and does not fund all recovery activities. DRFAWA assistance measures are made available to support the recovery of affected individuals, communities, small businesses and primary producers within impacted local governments.
 
Lord Mayor's Distress Relief Fund (LMDRF)

The LMDRF is the recognised state emergency fund and provides relief for personal hardship and distress arising from natural disasters occurring within Western Australia. https://appealswa.org.au/apply-for-assistance/
 
Legal Aid Western Australia (Legal Aid WA)

Legal Aid WA may coordinate free legal advice and referrals to people impacted by a disaster. Assistance may include help with: insurance claims, ability to service a mortgage, debts, property, housing and replacing important documents.
Legal Aid WA’s Infoline 1300 650 579