• State Government to give $250,000 to Tasmanian appeal

The Western Australian Government will donate $250,000 to the Tasmanian Bushfires 2013 appeal, to help victims of the recent fire damage in Tasmania.

Premier Colin Barnett said fires in recent days were reported to have damaged or destroyed about 100 properties in the Sorell and Tasman districts.

Mr Barnett said WA also stood ready to send available Fire and Emergency Services personnel to assist with further fire operations or recovery efforts, should an official request be received.

The Premier said it was appropriate to extend a helping hand to Tasmanians who had had their homes devastated by fire.

“On behalf of all West Australians, I would like to express our support for the communities in Tasmania where the bushfires have occurred in the past few days,” he said.

“Such a significant loss of property is likely to have a profound impact on the lives of many people in these and other areas, and on the local economy.

“It is at times like these we are reminded that we are all Australians, and Australians have a tremendous ability to come together in times of natural disaster and support each other in overcoming the challenges that lie ahead.

“WA has also experienced major bushfires in recent years, so I am aware of the challenges Tasmanians now face in rebuilding their local communities.”

Mr Barnett said the State Government had contributed to appeals for several natural disasters, including the Victorian Bushfires in 2009 and the Queensland floods in 2011.

The Government also made donations to the Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund for emergencies in WA, including the Gascoyne river floods in December 2010; Lake Clifton bushfire in January 2011; Perth Hills bushfire in February 2011; and the Margaret River bushfire in November 2011.

        Fact File

• Tasmanian Government is offering immediate cash assistance of up to $750 per family
• Federal Government has also activated its emergency assistance plan in Tasmania and is offering financial assistance of up to $1,000 per adult for those whose homes have been destroyed
• Australian Red Cross has also launched Tasmanian Bushfires 2013 Appeal in order to provide assistance to those affected by the bushfires. More info on making a donation: http://www.redcross.org.au/tasmanian-bushfires-appeal-2013.aspx or phone 1800 811 700

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