Joint media release with Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher
The Albanese Government is supporting more flood-impacted communities in North Queensland by extending the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) to the entirety of the Cassowary Coast and Townsville LGAs.
If a person has suffered the most serious impacts including major damage to their home, serious injury, or loss of a loved one during this flooding event, they may be eligible for the AGDRP.
If a person has suffered a loss of income as a direct result of this event, they may be eligible for the Australian Government's Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA), which offers up to 13 weeks of income support for workers and sole traders depending on their personal circumstances.
The DRA has already been activated in 30 LGAs in response to the event including the Cassowary Coast and Townsville LGAs.
As additional information about impacts becomes available, the government will consider other locations.
Claims for the AGDRP will open at 2pm local time on Wednesday 19 March 2025.
This payment supplements the joint assistance the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have activated under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements in response to the different challenges that Queenslanders have experienced.
For example, if a person has lost essential household contents like bed linen or white goods, they may be eligible for the jointly funded Essential Household Contents Grant.
For more information about the jointly funded assistance, people can find out more at Disaster support and recovery.
For more information about the Allowance and AGDRP, people can find out more and check their eligibility on the Services Australia website at Natural disaster support.
The easiest way to claim is online through myGov or via the myGov app. If people need help to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.
To change or pause Centrelink debt repayments, affected people can do so online or in the mobile app (through the Money you owe service), or they can call 1800 076 072.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Government Services Katy Gallagher
"We know the recovery effort is ongoing in North Queensland and our government is continuing to work hard to support North Queenslanders through this difficult time.
"AGDRP is one of the many payments available to support communities impacted by the recent flooding.
"Whether it's at a service centre or on the phone, Services Australia staff are working hard to support impacted residents and process claims as quickly as they can.
"I encourage people in the impacted areas to check their eligibility for payments on Services Australia's website or via the myGov app."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister
"Recovery can take time and our government is here for the long haul. The Albanese Government will continue with all levels of government to support impacted communities in North and Far North Queensland.
"We know this event has impacted people in different ways. We have worked closely with the Queensland Government to ensure that there are a range of payments available to meet different needs. I encourage impacted residents to check the eligibility criteria.
"As more impact data has been made available, we've been able to activate assistance for more areas. Thank you to the local Councils who have worked with their communities and with the Commonwealth Recovery Liaison Officer to provide supporting data."
