Disaster funding set for WA bushfire zone

Disaster assistance will be available to people affected by the bushfire burning south of Perth that has already destroyed 121 homes.

West Australian Premier Colin Barnett said on Saturday the assistance was being provided to the local government areas of Waroona and Harvey through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.

Mr Barnett told reporters at the Pinjarra evacuation centre that the scale of fire damage, particularly in Yarloop, was significant, but he also praised the efforts of fire crews and the community spirit.

ASSISTANCE INCLUDES:

* Personal hardship and distress assistance for families and individuals, including assistance with repairs to damaged homes and the replacement of essential household contents.

* Personal and financial counselling.

* Financial assistance for local and state government authorities for counter-disaster operations and to restore damaged public infrastructure.

* Interest rate subsidies for small businesses and primary producers affected by fires.

* Freight subsidies for primary producers to assist with the costs of transporting livestock, fodder or water for livestock and machinery and equipment.