WA has activated its Natural Disaster Recovery Fund for the first time to “bridge the gap” between immediate needs and insurance payouts for victims of Cyclone Narelle.

The fund offers people whose homes have been damaged or destroyed up to $20,000, and small businesses and community groups are eligible for a minimum of $5000.

The state’s tourism industry will receive $1.45 million of relief payments, targeting operators affected by access closures in the shires of Carnarvon, Exmouth, Ashburton and Upper Gascoyne. There will also be vouchers to encourage visitors to return to the region.

“We want everyone to know that Exmouth is open for business and tourists are welcome. If you’re planning your next holiday, look to this incredibly unique part of our state for an experience you will never forget,” Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson said.

Premier Roger Cook said: “The damage caused by Ex-Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle was confronting and created an incredibly challenging situation for the residents across the impacted regions.”

More than 450 structures were damaged during the storm, which crossed the WA coast last month. The town of Exmouth was among the hardest hit, just before the Easter school holidays.

The tourism support package includes one-off business survival support payments of up to $20,000; the consumer voucher program offering visitors 50% off select tours and experiences; and marketing campaigns encouraging visitors to the Coral Coast region.

WA had already made one-off disaster relief payments of up to $4000 and offered loan interest subsidies.