THE government has unveiled a $10 million financial assistance package to help people affected by the bushfires that ravaged Toodyay.
The December blaze was one of the worst in the state, leaving 38 homes destroyed and a total of 137 properties damaged. Many of the victims were not insured for their losses.
Debate over the fire's cause is still raging, with an initial report from the power industry watchdog EnergySafety unable to determine a cause for the blaze, before a second report was released blaming the fire on a fallen power pole.
Western Power has refused to accept blame for causing the fire, but has agreed to contribute up to $5m towards the so-called "goodwill" payment announced today. The remainder will be provided by the government.
Residents accepting a payment under the package will still be able to take future legal action against Western Power.
Premier Colin Barnett said the package - capped at $190,000 for each property, including $150,000 for each house - "compares very favourably" with similar packages in other states.
Those affected by the 2009 Victorian bushfires were eligible for up to $85,000 each, though that was largely raised through private donations.
"I know some people will think it's not generous enough, (but) there will be others who think it's too generous," Mr Barnett said.
"I think it's a very generous offer from the (WA) taxpayer to provide financial assistance to people who did not have insurance or were under insured."
The taxpayer-funded package in WA was reached after the government decided not to try to get Western Power's insurers to contribute to it.
"That was something we didn't pursue at the end of the day," Mr Barnett said.
About 20 properties were uninsured, while most of the remainder were under-insured.
The package was not an admission of liability by Western Power.
"That can only be determined through the Supreme Court," Mr Barnett said.
Financial support will be available to affected households in six categories, with up to $150,000 for homes, $30,000 for contents, $15,000 for external buildings and fences, $10,000 for private vehicles, and $5000 for site clean-up and tools of trade.
Energy Minister Peter Collier said the government had also agreed to put an extra $69.5m towards power pole maintenance and bushfire mitigation. This comes on top of another $85m announced about three weeks ago.
