Disaster support for SEQ communities smashed by giant hailstorm

• Five south-east Queensland LGAs activated for disaster assistance following this week’s severe hailstorms.
• Support will fund Personal Hardship Assistance in targeted localities, clean-up and counter disaster activities, and repairs to essential public assets.
• Assistance is provided through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

After a series of dangerous and damaging storms across south-east Queensland this week, the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have activated disaster support.

Many SEQ communities were left without power and road networks heavily impacted after a severe system downed trees and power lines, lifted roofs, and saw massive hailstones hit the region.

Assistance through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) will allow Moreton Bay residents in 37 of the worst affected localities to apply for Personal Hardship Assistance.

Activated suburbs include Banksia Beach, Beachmere, Bellara, Bellmere, Bongaree, Bracalba, Campbells Pocket, Corymbia, D’Aguilar, Delaneys Creek, Donnybrook, Elimbah, Godwin Beach, Greenstone, Kurwongbah, Lilywood, Meldale, Moorina, Mount Delaney, Mount Mee, Mount Pleasant, Neurum, Ningi, Ocean View, Rocksberg, Sandstone Point, Toorbul, Upper Caboolture, Wagtail Grove, Wamuran, Wamuran Basin, Waraba, Welsby, White Patch, Whiteside, Woodford, and Woorim.

Grants of $180 for individuals and up to $900 for a family of five or more can cover the costs of essentials like food, clothing and medicine, while other support measures target low income, uninsured residents.

For information on assistance available, eligibility, and how to apply, visit www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp.

Central Highlands Regional Council, Fraser Coast Regional Council, Noosa Shire Council and Sunshine Coast Regional Council will also receive funds for their counter disaster operations and the reconstruction of essential public assets, while City of Moreton Bay will be able to recoup the costs of eligible counter disaster activities as well.

Councils can use this support for the clean up of debris, to restore services and access, and to repair damaged infrastructure.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the funding was essential to help those impacted by the disaster and to drive recovery works.

“These storm systems left a significant trail of destruction, so our top priorities are the wellbeing of residents and restoring public safety,” Minister McBain said.

“South-east Queensland councils are well versed in disaster response and recovery, and this assistance will make sure they can work without delay.

“Summer is always a challenging period for Queensland, but the Albanese Government is ready to extend all support necessary for communities affected by extreme weather.”

Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the nature of these storms showed the need for Queenslanders to be ready for anything.

"This disaster season is fast proving to be as destructive as it is unpredictable, and we all need to be prepared,” Minister Leahy said.

“Through the DRFA we’re making sure Moreton Bay residents in need have emergency funds and the local governments of Central Highlands, Fraser Coast, Moreton Bay, Noosa and Sunshine Coast are fully supported in their recovery.

“I thank our frontline workers who have been doing long hours to maintain public safety, get power reconnected, and clear roads, and councils for their effective local disaster management.”

Personal Hardship Assistance available to eligible Moreton Bay residents:

• Emergency Hardship Assistance – $180 per person, up to $900 for a family of five or more to purchase immediate essentials like food, clothing and medicine.
• Essential Services Hardship Assistance – $150 per person, up to $750 for a family of five or more to assist with immediate needs following the loss of essential services at home for more than five consecutive days.
• Essential Household Contents Grants – income-tested assistance for uninsured residents, up to $1,765 for individuals and up to $5,300 for couples or families to replace destroyed essential household contents such as bed linen and whitegoods.
• Structural Assistance Grants – up to $80,000 for uninsured, income-tested owner-occupiers towards the repair or replacement of a disaster damaged dwelling to return it to a safe and habitable condition.
• Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme – income-tested grants to help uninsured residents reconnect damaged services like electricity, gas, water or sewerage. Up to $5,000 per household.

Find out more at www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp.

ENDS

Media contacts:
Minister McBain: Claire Johnston 0473 406 905
Minister Leahy: Kyah Devine 0424 670 963