Joint media release with the Hon Julie Collins MP
The Albanese Government has extended disaster assistance payments to more people seriously impacted by the severe storms in South East Queensland (SEQ).
More areas in SEQ where there has been serious damage to homes will have access to the Australian Government Disaster Payment (AGDRP) payment from 8am AEST on Monday January 15, helping residents who suffered serious damage or injury:
- City of Gold Coast: Bonogin, Clagiraba, Lower Beechmont, Mount Nathan, Pimpama, Springbrook and Worongary.
- City of Logan:
- Scenic Rim Region: Beechmont and Gleneagle.
AGDRP is a payment of $1,000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children who have been significantly impacted by the floods.
More than 4,500 claims have been granted and over $5.5 million paid to eligible people who live in the following suburbs where the payment is already available:
- City of Gold Coast: Arundel, Biggera Waters, Coombabah, Coomera, Gaven, Guanaba, Helensvale, Hollywell, Labrador, Maudsland, Mudgeeraba, Nerang, Oxenford, Pacific Pines, Paradise Point, Runaway Bay, Tallai, Upper Coomera and Wongawallan.
- City of Logan: Cedar Creek, Cedar Grove, Cedar Vale, Flagstone, Jimboomba, Mundoolun and Tamborine.
- Scenic Rim Region: Tamborine and Tamborine Mountain
The AGDRP extension builds on joint Federal-State financial hardship assistance already available for South East Queensland residents who need to replace food, clothing, medicines or reconnect utilities, but who have not suffered major damage to their home. Residents can apply for these payments through http://www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp.
People who live or work in the City of Gold Coast, City of Logan and Scenic Rim Region LGAs may also be eligible for the Disaster Recovery Allowance which was activated last Sunday. The Allowance provides up to 13 weeks of income support to assist eligible employees and sole traders who have experienced a loss of income as a direct result of a major disaster.
Affected people can check their eligibility on the Services Australia website, and the quickest way to claim a payment is online through myGov.
If people need help to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency information line on 180 22 66 between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. If they want to speak to someone in their language, they can also call the Centrelink multilingual phone service on 131 202.
Mobile Service Centre 'Golden Wattle' has also been stationed in some of the hardest hit areas to support local communities. Staff on board can assist people to claim disaster assistance and refer them to local support services.
People can visit Golden Wattle at the following locations:
- Tamborine Village near the Tamborine Memorial Hall, Waterford - Tamborine Road, Saturday 13 January, 9am to 4pm
- Vonda Youngman Community Centre car park, 2-4 Knoll Road, Tamborine,
Monday 15 January & Tuesday 16 January, 9am to 4pm
For up-to-date locations and hours, check www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/findusdisaster
Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Government Services, the Hon Julie Collins MP:
"Services Australia continues to provide much needed support quickly to Queenslanders dealing with the aftermath of these devastating storms.
"I encourage those in the impacted areas to check their eligibility for disaster assistance available through the Services Australia website and make a claim through myGov.
"If you can't get online or you need help with a claim, Services Australia staff are available to assist. You can call 180 22 66 between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday to speak with a staff member."
"Services Australia's Mobile Service Centre, Golden Wattle is stationed in the area to support some of the worst hit communities. Golden Wattle has social workers and staff on board who can offer support and referrals to local support services, as well as advice on how to claim disaster payments."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt:
"Affected residents in Queensland's South East are going through a difficult time, and the Albanese Government is working closely with the Queensland Government to put our shoulder to the wheel to help those affected.
"We were able to activate hardship payments with the Queensland Government very quickly after the storms with nearly $20 million of state and federal payments delivered already, and continue to work though impact assessments to make sure areas that suffered major damage are supported.
"We are working collaboratively with all levels of government, and the community to make these assessments as rapidly as possible, and remain open to extending support further if needed."
