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The major bank has opened applications for the emergency grants to Western Australian and Northern Territory customers in officially declared disaster areas.
National Australia Bank (NAB) has opened applications for $1,000 emergency grants for customers who have been impacted by flooding following ex-tropical cyclone Ellie.
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Ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie crossed into Western Australia from the Northern Territory in late December 2022, with widespread rainfall and major flooding occuring along the Fitzroy River to Fitzroy Crossing, reaching record levels of 15.81 metres.
Major roads and associated infrastructure have been damaged and floodwaters have isolated towns including Fitzroy Crossing and many remote indigenous communities along the Fitzroy River.
The incident has been described as a one-in-100-year flood event, and is believed to be the worst flooding Western Australia has ever seen.
NAB has now announced that customers who have suffered major structural damage or severe internal damage to their primary homes are eligible for the grants.
Agriculture and business customers are also included, should they experience extreme damage to equipment, property, fencing, or loss of stock and livestock.
However, the grants are not available for customers who have only experienced minor damage to their homes or properties as well as damage to personal items, such as home appliances, sheds, gardens, garages, or any loss to investment properties or holiday homes.
NAB acting retail executive, David Banks, commented on the devastating impact of the floods on the region.
“Some of these communities in Western Australia are facing the worst floods in the State’s history. Flood-affected customers in both WA and NT need our support and we’re here to help them get through this,” Mr Banks said.
“The recovery will be long and this is one step forward in helping them start that journey.”
The NAB grants come as the WA Government has also made disaster recovery assistance available to flood-affected communities in Western Australia's Kimberley region.
The shires of Derby West Kimberley, Broome, Wyndham East Kimberley and Halls Creek are eligible for assistance measures through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Eligible costs include assistance measures for individuals and families, businesses, primary producers, non-profit organisations and local and state governments.
The funding can be allocated to emergency assistance, temporary living expenses, replacement of essential household goods, housing repairs, personal and financial counselling assistance.
Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan said the flooding was unprecedented for the Kimberley region and had wrought devastating impacts on local homes, businesses, and communities and the recovery process would take some time.
"This is a once-in-a-century event so the State and Federal Governments will work for as long as it takes to ensure communities recover and rebuild.
"We'll continue to work cooperatively with the Federal Government to get support out to the communities affected and I thank everyone who has been assisting in the response for their efforts," he said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Commonwealth would provide any support requested by the Western Australian Government.
"We have already deployed aircraft to assist with evacuations and to transport crucial supplies, and will continue to provide support now and long after the water recedes," Prime Minister Albanese said.
"I'd like to thank all of our hard working emergency services personnel and volunteers for their hard work and assistance during this unprecedented event."
Banks provide financial relief
As well as grants, the four major banks have recently rolled out financial relief measures for their customers in the disaster areas of Western Australia, particularly the Kimberley region.
In conjunction with this emergency grant, NAB is also offering its customers loan deferrals or reduced payment arrangements for home, personal, and some business loans, along with deferring upcoming credit card payments and waiving certain fees and charges.
Similarly, ANZ is offering short-term payment relief on home loans, personal loans, credit card, and some business loans as well as waiving fees for restructuring business loans and for early-term deposits.
Customers with Westpac are offered up to three months of deferred payments for home and business loans, 90-day deferrals for credit card repayments, early withdrawals for term deposit funds without interest rate reductions, fee-free restructuring for businesses, and business customers with merchant facilities are eligible for assistance, including up to three months of monthly terminal access fee refunds.
The Commonwealth Bank (CBA) extended its Emergency Assistance services to the Kimberley region as well, offering customers customised payment arrangements for home/personal loans, credit cards, and temporary overdrafts.
Those who have taken out Home Insurance distributed by CommBank are also eligible to receive emergency accommodation.
[RELATED: More majors offer WA flood support]
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