Financial assistance available to people impacted by flooding in parts of Far North Qld

Financial assistance and support services are now available to residents in Wujal Wujal and parts of the Douglas and Cook Shire council areas to locals who have been affected by flooding over the past few days.

Acting Communities Minister Shannon Fentiman said very heavy rainfall from a monsoonal trough had caused flood damage to properties and isolated a number of people in these communities.

“Residents in the Far North are experiencing significant rainfall and flooding this week and we are here to assist and support the communities worst affected to help meet their immediate needs,” Ms Fentiman said.

“Emergency Hardship Assistance grants, through the jointly-funded Commonwealth and State Disaster Relief Funding Arrangements (DRFA), are now available to residents in Wujal Wujal and parts of the Douglas and Cook Shire council areas.”

“These grants help cover the costs of essential items, such as food, medication and clothing, for people in these areas who have been directly impacted by this monsoonal trough.

“Up to $180 per person, to a maximum of $900 for a family of five or more, is provided to people experiencing genuine financial hardship as a result of flooding.”

Targeted parts of the Douglas Shire Council area have been activated, including:

• Daintree
• Upper Daintree 
• Lower Daintree
• Degarra
• Stewart Creek Valley.

Targeted parts of the Cook Shire Council area have been activated, including:

• Bloomfield (including Ayton)
• Rossville (including Shiptons Flat).

Residents can call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 to get information on how to apply for grants and access support services.

Ms Fentiman said Community Recovery staff will be providing support in Wujal Wujal and Douglas and Cook Shires, including visiting residents in their homes.

“Assistance is also being provided by our government and non-government partners, including the Cooktown District Community Centre.

“These staff will be able to assist community members to meet their immediate personal needs, including applying for grants and accessing emotional support.”

The Queensland Government is currently monitoring and assessing the needs of other communities affected by flooding across the North and Far North of the state.

For more information about the Queensland Government’s community recovery efforts go to www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies.

ENDS

Media Contact: Communities Minister's Office (07) 3719 7184