Cyclone assistance activated for Lockhart River and Napranum

• Lockhart River and Napranum residents and community organisations can now access disaster assistance to help with urgent cyclone recovery needs.
• Support includes emergency grants for households to cover food, clothing and medicine, and disaster loans up to $100,000 for not-for-profits.
• Councils are also receiving funding for their counter disaster operations and the reconstruction of essential public assets.

The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have made Personal Hardship Assistance available to Lockhart River and Napranum residents following the damaging impacts of Tropical Cyclone Narelle.

Affected households can apply for emergency payments of $180 for individuals, up to $900 for a family of five or more to cover the costs of essentials like food, clothing and medicine.

Not-for-profit organisations in Lockhart River and Napranum hit by the cyclone and flooding can also access disaster loans up to $100,000 for recovery and operational needs like repairs, restocking and paying wages.

Assistance is being delivered by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

All councils across the Cape are already receiving DRFA support for their counter disaster activities and can recoup the costs of emergency road repairs and the reconstruction of essential assets.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the government was committed to helping Far North Queenslanders following Tropical Cyclone Narelle.

“We’re making sure these communities have the support they need for recovery in the aftermath of Narelle,” Minister McBain said.

“Impacted councils have access to funding for urgent clean-up activities and repairs, and now damage assessments have been carried out we’re getting the necessary financial assistance to residents as well.

“This funding will allow households affected by the cyclone to make essential purchases for their recovery, and it will help community organisations maintain their important work.”

Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said strong preparations positioned Cape York communities for a smooth recovery.

“I want to thank every resident in Far North Queensland for staying alert to our cyclone warnings, preparing early and taking the steps needed to keep themselves and their families safe during the system,” Minister Leahy said

“Our focus is now on recovery for our Cape communities, and we’re working closely with local councils to make sure support reaches those who need it most.”

ENDS

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Residents can apply for hardship grants at www.disaster.qld.gov.au or by phoning the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349, while not-for-profits can request disaster loans via www.qrida.qld.gov.au or 1800 623 946.