Grants and Qld Govt support now available to people impacted by NQ flooding

Financial assistance and support services are now available to residents directly affected by flooding in parts of North Queensland over recent days.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the North Queensland flooding event had caused inundation to properties and businesses, particularly across the Hinchinbrook region.

“Queensland Government Ready Reserve staff have been deployed to Townsville to lead community recovery efforts, with more expected to be deployed over the coming days,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Once the floodwaters recede in the worst-hit areas and it is safe to do so, we will send in our dedicated recovery workers to help affected individuals and families access financial assistance and support services that they will need to assist with their recovery.

Minister for Communities Coralee O’Rourke said people can download the Self Recovery app for information or to apply for grants, including Emergency Hardship Grants.

“Queenslanders affected by the flooding can easily apply for grants through the Self Recovery app or make an application through the Community Recovery online portal at www.communityrecovery.qld.gov.au,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“Residents without internet access can ring the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 to get information or apply for grants and access to support services over the phone.

“The Self Recovery app, online portal and the hotline are vital in times of disasters to provide access to the latest information, grant applications and referrals for community organisations and other government agencies.”

The suburbs and towns activated are:

• Ingham
• Lucinda
• Halifax
• Bemerside
• Macknade
• Gairloch
• Cordelia
• Foresthome
• Trebonne
• Victoria Plantation
• Braemeadows
• Taylors Beach
• Forrest Beach
• Blackrock
• Orient
• Coolbie
• Bambaroo
• Yuruga
• Helens Hill
• Toobanna
• Peacock Siding
• Wharps
• Upper Stone
• Mount Fox
• Wallaman
• Lannercost
• Hawkins Creek
• Long Pocket
• Dalrymple Creek
• Abergowrie
• Garrawalt 

Mrs O’Rourke said face-to-face support would be available in the affected areas as soon as possible once roads opened and floodwaters subsided.

“We know that many people affected by this flooding event will need Emergency Hardship Grants to help meet their immediate needs,” she said.

“Eligible applicants can receive $180 per person, up to $900 for a family of five or more, to replace essential items like food, clothing and medications or to help cover the costs of alternative accommodation if they can’t live at home.”

Other grants such the Essential Household Contents Grant, Structural Assistance Grant and Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Grant are also available to eligible residents who are uninsured and have experienced certain loss or damage following this disaster.

Financial assistance is available through the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

People who are experiencing hardship due to this flooding should contact the Community Recovery Hotline of 1800 173 349 or go to www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies for further information.

ENDS

Media Contact:

Susan McGrady 0488 998 667 (Premier)

Benjamin Mulcahy 0419 562 389 (Minister O’Rourke)