Disaster hardship assistance for Bundaberg, Douglas and Banana

• Flood impacted residents in targeted parts of Bundaberg and Douglas, and the shire of Banana can now access disaster assistance.
• Emergency payments will help eligible residents cover the cost of essentials including food, clothing and medicine.
• Six Wide Bay-Burnett councils and more not-for-profits will also receive financial support from the Australian and Queensland Governments.

The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have activated Personal Hardship Assistance for targeted parts of Bundaberg and Douglas, and Banana Shire following the latest bout of severe flooding to hit Queensland.

Emergency payments of $180 for individuals and up to $900 for a family of five or more can be used to purchase essentials like food, clothing and medicine.

For eligible residents a range of other hardship grants are available predominantly targeting vulnerable households, including Structural Assistance Grants up to $80,000 to repair a damaged home to a safe and habitable condition.

Support is being delivered under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Newly activated areas for Personal Hardship Assistance include:

• Banana: Entire LGA
• Bundaberg: Bundaberg Central, Bundaberg East, Bundaberg North, Bundaberg South
• Douglas: Cape Tribulation, Cow Bay, Daintree, Daintree Village, Degarra, Diwan, Lower Daintree, Thornton Beach, Upper Daintree

The application window for emergency payments has also been extended to 7 April 2026 for Richmond Shire residents who have been re-impacted by recent flooding.

Affected residents can visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au for information on available grants, eligibility, and how to apply.

The Queensland Community Recovery Hotline is available as well for Queenslanders needing urgent disaster support, with officers taking calls 24/7 on 1800 173 349.

DRFA assistance has also been made available to the local governments of Bundaberg, Cherbourg, Fraser Coast, Gympie, North Burnett and South Burnett.

This funding will allow councils to recoup the costs of their counter disaster operations, emergency road repairs, and the reconstruction of essential public assets.

Additionally, flood impacted not-for-profits in Banana, Bundaberg and Douglas can apply for disaster loans up to $100,000 via www.qrida.qld.gov.au or by calling 1800 623 946.

These concessional loans can be used to repair or replace damaged equipment, amenities and infrastructure, replace stock, and to cover operational costs like wages, rent or rates.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the financial support would help Queenslanders push through the challenging days ahead.

“We know this is an incredibly difficult time for people whose lives have been turned upside down, which is why we’ve moved quickly to make these grants available to those who need it most,” Minister McBain said.

“Activating hardship assistance is an important first step to help people recover from the impacts of this disaster and to build hope for the future.

“We’re continuing to monitor the impacts of this flood event and will announce further support measures as required.”

Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the Crisafulli Government remains focused on community safety and providing recovery in response to the floods.

“Right now, keeping Queenslanders safe, food on the table, and the lights on is our top priority,” Minister Leahy said.

“Our councils are continuing to work tirelessly on the ground as we battle this disaster, and we’ll make sure they receive all necessary support to clean up and rebuild these communities.”

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Minister McBain: David Jean, 0467 559 492
Minister Leahy: Kyah Devine, 0428 217 040

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Personal Hardship Assistance available to eligible 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.

If your property has been directly impacted by these floods, please visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au to check your eligibility for assistance.