Joint media release with the Hon Julie Collins MP
The Albanese Government has delivered more than $4.2 million in disaster assistance payments directly to people impacted by the severe storms in South East Queensland, since applications opened on Monday afternoon.
Applications went live at 2pm on January 8, and so far over 3,400 claims for the Australian Government Disaster Payment (AGDRP) and the Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) have been granted and paid out.
AGDRP is a payment of $1000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children who have been significantly impacted by the floods.
The payment is available for eligible people who live in the following suburbs:
- 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
DRA 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. The allowance is available for eligible people who live or work in the City of Gold Coast, City of Logan and Scenic Rim Region LGAs.
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.
For up-to-date locations and hours, check Where to find us.
The Albanese and Miles Governments are also providing additional payments to residents, and grants to small businesses, primary producers, non-profit organisations and the Councils of Gold Coast, Logan and Scenic Rim Region. For more information about Commonwealth-State assistance, visit: Disaster Assist. To date, over 92,000 people in South East Queensland have been supported through Commonwealth-State assistance for the SEQ storms, totalling another $16 million directly to residents.
Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Government Services, Julie Collins:
"Once again the resilience of Queenslanders is being tested, and my thoughts are with people affected by these devastating storms."
"Supporting communities through crisis is what Services Australia is geared to do, and the agency has once again pivoted to provide much needed support to those affected."
"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 to speak with a staff member."
"Services Australia's Mobile Service Centre, Golden Wattle has been diverted to assist people on the ground in some of the worst hit areas. 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:
"It's great to see assistance rolling out fast and impacted Queenslanders getting the disaster assistance that can make a real difference."
"This support will help impacted residents in the Gold Coast, Logan City and Scenic Rim Region to cover their regular bills and assist with short-term costs as a result of the disaster."
"It's in addition to the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement hardship payments, which are also moving quickly."
