Last chance for West Cape residents to apply for emergency grants following TC Nora

More than $200,000worth of grants have been distributed to residents affected by Tropical Cyclone Nora and Acting Communities Minister Leeanne Enoch is urging residents to get in their applications for Emergency Hardship grants before the round closes on Monday.

Ms Enoch said the resilient communities of Mapoon, Pormpuraaw and Kowanyama were getting back on their feet following the start of the community recovery operation on Wednesday 28 March.

“Now that demand for jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA), Emergency Hardship Assistance grants has declined, we are about to transition to the next, and longer-term, phase of community recovery operations in these communities,” Ms Enoch said.

“Applications for Emergency Hardship grants for Mapoon, Pormpuraaw and Kowanyama residents will close at midnight on Monday (April 2), in accord with the activation schedule.

“This means affected residents have Sunday and Monday to attend the recovery hubs in Pormpuraaw and Kowanyama and make an application. 

“These hubs will remain open and staff will remain onsite to help residents make their applications prior to the closure of these grants on Monday night.

“I would encourage anyone still needing a grant to prioritise getting their application in before they close.”

More than 60 Ready Reserves continue to support the Tropical Cyclone Nora community recovery effort.

Ms Enoch said targeted outreach would still be directed to those who need it the most so residents could talk to community recovery workers at their own home.

“We will also continue to operate our recovery hubs in Pormpuraaw and Kowanyama to provide a one-stop-shop for assistance,” she said.

“Referrals to community organisations and other government agencies and longer- term grants for more serious losses and damage are also still available.”

The Community Recovery hubs are located at the following locations:

• Pormpuraaw: Community Justice Group Building, Yalu Street. Opening hours: 9am to 5pm daily
• Kowanyama: Multi-Purpose Sport and Recreation Centre, 4892 Kowanyama St. Opening hours: 9am to 5pm daily

Essential Household Contents Grants, which are income tested, are also available to eligible residents in activated areas who are uninsured and have experienced certain loss or damage following this disaster.

For more information or to apply for grants call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

Media Contact: 0419 562 389