Joint media release with Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher
The Albanese Government is extending financial assistance to support more flood affected North Queensland communities through the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP).
Claims will open at 2pm local time on Tuesday 25 February 2025.
Additional impact advice has been received from the Queensland Government. The AGDRP is being extended to the locality of Groper Creek in the Burdekin LGA and 23 additional localities in the Townsville LGA: Black River, Condon, Cosgrove, Cranbook, Cungulla, Currajong, Garbutt, Gulliver, Mundingburra, Mutarnee, Nome, North Ward, Oak Valley, Oonoonba, Railway Estate, Rasmussen, Roseneath, South Townsville, Toolakea and Townsville City, as well as Horseshoe Bay, Nelly Bay and Picnic Bay on Magnetic Island.
Before they claim, people can check their eligibility and information about the payment on the Services Australia website.
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.
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.
This support supplements joint assistance activated by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments under the DRFA to support Queenslanders during this difficult time.
DRFA assistance currently available includes grants to support impacted residents who have lost household contents or essential service, need help reconnecting essential services and repairing structurally unsafe homes. The grants are administered by the Queensland Government but jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments.
We are also supporting primary producers, small businesses, not-for-profit organisations and rural landholders with grants and loans.
Find out more about the assistance available through the DRFA at the Disaster Managment Queensland website.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Government Services Katy Gallagher
"My thoughts continue to be with those impacted by the floods in North Queensland. We know recovery will take time, and AGDRP is one of the many Commonwealth and jointly funded payments available to support impacted communities."
"If you live in one of the towns listed, I'd encourage you to get on the Services Australia website to learn more and begin the claim process."
"Supporting people during emergencies and natural disasters is Services Australia's core work. Staff are working hard to process AGDRP claims as soon as possible."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister
"It's been a challenging time for communities in North and Far North Queensland, who have been significantly impacted by the recent flooding.
"As the Queensland Government understands and makes more data available, we've been able to activate assistance for more communities."
"The AGDRP just one type of assistance out of many we have activated to help flood impacted residents begin their recovery. Depending on your circumstances you may be eligible for some payment types and not others."
"Recovery can take time and our government is here for the long haul. The Albanese Government will continue working hand in glove with the Crisafulli Government to support impacted communities in Queensland."
More information
A full list of eligible areas can be found at Services Australia.
