Flood grants and support extended to Doomadgee and Boulia LGAs

• Emergency Hardship Assistance grants now available to people in Doomadgee and Boulia LGAs following recent heavy rainfall and flooding
• Apply for grants online at www.qld.gov.au/DisasterHelp
• Call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 for assistance

Financial, housing and emotional support has been extended to eligible residents in the Doomadgee and Boulia local government areas (LGAs) following the heavy rainfall and flooding.

While the initial activation in the Boulia LGA was targeted to the town of Urandangi, residents across the entire LGA are now able to apply for grants and supports.

People in these areas, who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the flooding, may be eligible for financial assistance including Emergency Hardship Assistance grants of $180 per person and up to $900 for a family of five.

These grants are a safety net for those who are directly impacted and cannot afford to meet the immediate, unexpected costs of replacing essential items, such as food, medication and clothing.

Financial assistance is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments through Disaster Relief Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

People who require emotional support or are experiencing hardship due to the floods can find more information or apply for grants by visiting www.qld.gov.au/DisasterHelp or by calling the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

A Community Recovery Hub is also open from 9am – 4pm daily at the Ibis Hotel, Camooweal Street, Mount Isa to support people who have been evacuated there from their flooded communities.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Communities and Housing Leeanne Enoch:

“Floodwaters are starting to recede across some of the hardest-hit communities in North-West Queensland, and the damage is becoming clearer.    

“We know these communities are resilient, but this disaster is significant and the impacts have been widespread.

“That’s why we’re supporting North-West individuals, families and communities through their recovery.

“Emergency Hardship Assistance grants help cover the costs of essential items, such as food, medication and clothing, for people who have been directly impacted by this disaster.

“A range of support services are also available to people in flood-impacted communities.

“The Queensland Government’s Ready Reserves have been deployed and are leading Community Recovery efforts.

“This includes a targeted response in Mount Isa to support people who have been evacuated while they wait for floodwaters to recede.”

Further information:

Other grants such the Essential Household Contents Grant, Structural Assistance Grant and Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Grant, which are income tested, are also available to eligible residents who are uninsured and have experienced certain loss or damage following this disaster.

Emergency Hardship Assistance Grant

Grant of $180 per person and up to $900 for a family of five.

These grants help people directly impacted by floods who cannot afford to replace essential items such as food, medication and clothing.  They are not income tested.

Essential Household Contents Grant

Grant provides $1,765 for individuals or up to $5,300 for a couple or family.

These grants are a contribution towards the replacement of essential lost household contents, such as bed linen and white goods.

To be eligible, applicants must live in the affected area, own the items that have been left, own or rent affected residents, be uninsured or unable to claim insurance and met the income limits.  Community Recovery officers will visit the home to assess the damage and will need photographic evidence of any items disposed of.

Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Grant

Grant is for Inspection costs—$200 for safety inspection for water, electricity, gas and sewage, and/or $4,200 for repairs or replacement of these services.

These grants help with safety inspections and repairs to reconnect essential services such as gas, water, electricity and sewage.

To be eligible, the applicant must live in the affected area, had their essential services disconnected, own and live in the affected residence, are uninsured or unable to claim insurance and meet the income limits.   Community Recovery officers will visit the home to assess the damage

Structural Assistance Grants

Uninsured, low income, owner-occupiers may receive up to a maximum of $50,000 to help repair their home to make it safe, secure and habitable.

These grants help with structural repairs or contribution towards replacement of dwelling.

To be eligible, the applicant must live in the affected area, own and live in the affected home, be uninsured or unable to claim insurance and meet the income limits, and the home has to be structurally unsafe to live in.  Community Recovery officers will visit the home to assess the damage.

For more information on these grants visit www.qld.gov.au/DisasterHelp or by call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

Anyone impacted by flooding can apply for housing assistance, including homeowners and private renters, by visiting www.qld.gov.au or calling 13QGOV (13 74 68).

ENDS

Media contact – Martin Philip on 0407 675 008