Disaster Recovery funding arrangements

The Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements Western Australia (known as DRFAWA) is an arrangement between the WA Government and Australian Government to provide financial assistance to those within disaster-affected communities. 

As part of DRFAWA, assistance measures are available to support the recovery of primary producers whose assets have been affected by an eligible disaster (for which DRFAWA has been activated). 

Recovery from disasters is a shared responsibility between individuals, businesses and communities, as well as governments. This assistance is designed to support and complement, rather than replace, primary producers’ own insurance and strategies for disaster mitigation. Support is offered as reimbursement and on an ‘as needs’ basis. 

The DRFAWA is administered by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). Measures to assist primary producers are delivered on behalf of DFES by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). 

Measures to Assist Primary Producers (Category B) 

Includes assistance to repair or reconstruct essential assets from disaster and counter-disaster operations. For most disaster events, assistance measures for primary producers include reimbursement grants for: 

• Professional advice 

• Freight subsidy (50%) 

• Fencing along a major road (livestock producers only) 

• Fencing dismantled/damaged as part of counter-disaster operations 

• Interest rate subsidy on a new loan for recovery.

Primary Producer Recovery Grants (Category C & D) 

In instances when the disaster event is deemed exceptional, additional grants for recovery and clean-up may be available. 

Current programs for activated events 

A list of current, Activated Events is available on the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) website.

How do I apply? 

Applications must be submitted online via the SmartyGrants website.

Visit the SmartyGrants website

Further information 

For further information including eligibility criteria, please refer to the DRFAWA Guidelines and Frequently asked questions which provides information about the arrangements and the types of assistance measures at: 

Visit the DFES website for more information