Joint media release with the Hon Ann Leahy MP
- Personal Hardship Assistance activated for defined areas of Townsville and targeted Gordonvale addresses.
- $180 emergency payments available, up to $900 for a family of five or more.
- Other financial aid includes cover for damaged household whitegoods, and income-tested grants for structural repairs and the reconnection of services.
- Burdekin, Cairns, Palm Island, Townsville Councils to receive disaster assistance
- This will help council undertake counter disaster operations, emergency road repairs, and the reconstruction of essential public assets.
The Australian and Queensland Governments have activated Personal Hardship Assistance for residents in defined areas of Townsville and for targeted Gordonvale addresses in the state's Far North following days of relentless rain.
Support includes a range of grants that cover the costs of emergency essentials, the replacement of damaged household whitegoods, and income-tested assistance for property structural repairs and the reconnection of essential services.
As a tropical low continues to dump rain over the north and Far North of Queensland, the Australian and Queensland Governments have activated disaster assistance for Burdekin, Cairns, Palm Island and Townsville Councils to help with counter disaster actions, emergency repairs, and reconstruction and clean up.
This disaster assistance is being provided by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Significant flash flooding and inundation to roads has resulted in damage and slippages. There have been numerous swift water rescues, with sandbagging stations and evacuation centres set up to assist local communities.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said with more heavy rains forecast over the coming days, the Albanese Government will continue to work hand in glove with the Queensland Government.
"This is still a dynamic weather system, the Albanese Government has prepositioned assets to assist, and will continue to support the Queensland Government through this event and into recovery." Minister McAllister said.
"I would like to acknowledge the efforts of first responders and the local councils who have done a fantastic job in very difficult circumstances, and local communities that have followed warnings.
"Emergency grants up to $180 per person, to a maximum of $900 for a family of five or more are available to eligible Queenslanders affected by these flood. This assistance will also help local government clean up and restore assets as soon as possible.
"Our message to local communities still facing wet conditions is stay connected to your local authorities and emergency broadcasters, follow the advice and have a plan."
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the safety and recovery of north and Far North communities is top priority.
"This major weather event is far from over, so we're doing everything we can now to reduce impacts and alleviate hardship," Minister Leahy said.
"Burdekin, Cairns, Palm Island and Townsville Councils are standing tall under incredibly challenging conditions, and we are here to help them and make their jobs easier.
"Activating the DRFA allows these councils to recoup eligible costs for their response and recovery efforts to these storms.
"As well as Personal Hardship Assistance, this includes funds to cover council counter disaster operations, road repairs, and the reconstruction of essential public assets.
"This will make sure community safety is maintained and the rebuild after these events can progress efficiently and effectively.
"Our government is working closely with councils affected and our federal counterparts to extend all support required."
Assistance available for eligible Townsville and Gordonvale residents
Personal Hardship Assistance Scheme
- Emergency Hardship Assistance Grants - $180 per person, up to $900 for a family of five or more to purchase immediate essentials like food, clothing and medicine.
- Essential Services Hardship Assistance - $150 per person, up to $750 for a family of five or more to assist with immediate needs following the loss of essential services at home for more than five consecutive days.
- Essential Household Contents Grants - up to $1,765 for individuals and up to $5,300 for couples or families to replace destroyed essential household contents such as bed linen and white goods.
- Structural Assistance Grants - up to $80,000 for uninsured, income-tested owner-occupiers towards the repair or replacement of a disaster damaged dwelling to return it to a safe and habitable condition.
Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme
- Income-tested grants to help uninsured residents reconnect damaged services like electricity, gas, water or sewerage. Up to $5,000 per household.
To check eligibility and apply for DRFA Personal Hardship Assistance visit Disaster support and recovery or phone the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.
For more information about DRFA assistance and how it's helping disaster hit communities visit Disaster Assist or Queensland Reconstruction Authority.
