Following advocacy from Federal Member for Grey Tom Venning MP, his team, and impacted councils, the South Australian and Commonwealth Governments have officially activated Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) for the recent severe flooding. This assistance will share the costs of counter-disaster operations and the reconstruction of essential public assets, particularly severely damaged outback roads, across the following areas: Berri Barmera, Ceduna, Cleve, Coober Pedy, Flinders Ranges, Orroroo-Carrieton, Peterborough, and Port Augusta, as well as the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, and one Pastoral Unincorporated Area.

This funding follows meetings by Mr Venning with Federal Minister Catherine King and talks with State Minister Emily Bourke, demonstrating the power of local advocacy. Mr Venning extends his gratitude to stakeholders, community members who provided crucial evidence of the damage, and media outlets that championed the cause.

Quotes attributable to Tom Venning MP, Member for Grey:

“There hasn’t been a lot of good news lately, but I’m pleased to share some, it turns out you can still be highly effective in opposition when fighting for regional South Australia.”

“A massive thank you to everyone who reached out with stories and photos of the road and infrastructure damage, and to the media who got behind this cause; it all helped.”

“After taking this issue to Ministers King and Bourke, my office was contacted on Wednesday night by the office of the Hon Kristy McBain MP notifying us that we have secured the emergency relief our remote councils desperately need.”

“Having spoken to the Flinders Alliance and hearing more about the damage endured by the Mount Remarkable and Northern Areas Council areas, it is disappointing these two council areas are not included, and I am following this up with Minister McBain.”

“While this announcement is fantastic, I encourage the department to work with the affected communities so funding can quickly flow to the assessment, design and rebuilding of damaged roads and infrastructure. Ensuring these recovery projects are fully supported will be critical to helping these communities get back on their feet.”

END