Joint media release with Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher
The Australian Government is extending both the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) and the Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) to more North Queensland communities affected by recent flooding and heavy rainfall.
From 2pm local time on Monday 10 February 2025, the AGDRP will be extended further to the localities of Carruchan, Ellerbeck and Wongaling Beach within the Cassowary Coast LGA; Balgal Beach and Bluewater Park in Townsville; and Paluma which crosses the Townsville and Charters Towers LGAs.
The AGDRP offers residents $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child for people who suffered serious damage or injury as a result of the floods, to help with the costs of recovery.
From 2pm local time on Monday 10 February 2025, the DRA will also be extended to the Cairns, Charters Towers, Etheridge, Tablelands, Whitsunday and Yarrabah Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The DRA is available to individuals who live or work in the declared LGAs and have lost some or all of their income due to the disaster. To be eligible for DRA, a person's income must have fallen below the average Australian weekly income as a result of the floods.
Before they claim, people can check their eligibility on the Services Australia website at: Services Australia Natural disaster support.
The easiest way to claim is online through myGov. If people need help to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.
People impacted by the floods can also pause or change their Centrelink debt repayments using the Money you owe service online in either their Centrelink online account, or Express Plus Centrelink mobile app. Alternatively, they can call 1800 076 072.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Government Services Katy Gallagher
'We know it's been a tough time for North Queenslanders affected by these floods, and the road to recovery is just beginning.'
'Supporting communities through crisis is what Services Australia is geared to do, and staff are ready to deliver support to people in need as quickly as possible.'
'I urge people to visit Services Australia's website to check if they're eligible. We know people may have more immediate priorities right now, so we want to reassure people they have 6 months to claim these payments.'
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister
'The Albanese Government is committed to standing by Queenslanders during this difficult time.
'This event is ongoing with the Bureau warning of the potential for further heavy rain over the weekend.
'As we understand the full extent of damage from this rain and flooding event, we will move quickly to activate appropriate support for these communities.
'These direct assistance measures will help more people facing the financial hardship of this disaster in the immediate recovery phase.
'We are also supporting ongoing response activities to help ensure communities are kept safe, are reconnected to essential services, and are restocked with essential supplies.
'We are in lock-step with the Queensland Government on how we can help communities face some of these longer-term challenges as clean-up efforts continue.'
