Over $1 million in financial assistance already paid out to Far North Queenslanders

Over $1 million in financial assistance already paid out to Far North Queenslanders  

• $1M in Hardship Assistance grants have already hit the ground in Far North Queensland.

• Grants are still available for people impacted by Tropical Cyclone Jasper in the local government areas of Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook (specified localities), Douglas, Hope Vale, Mareeba, Tablelands, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah.
• People needing financial assistance or emotional support can contact the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 or visit www.qld.gov.au/DisasterHelp.

Over $1 million has already been paid out to Far North Queenslanders in the aftermath of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper, through jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Financial assistance (not income or asset tested) includes:

• Emergency Hardship Assistance Grants of $180 for eligible individuals and up to $900 for families of five or more for help with essential needs, such as food, medication, clothing, and temporary accommodation.

• Essential Services Hardship Assistance Grants of $150 for eligible individuals and up to $750 for families of five or more for help with essential services, such as power, gas, water, and sewage, that have been disrupted for five days or more due to the disaster.

A range of income-tested grants are also available to assist households impacted by the disaster:

• Essential Household Contents Grants of up to $1,765 for eligible individuals and $5,300 for couples or families to replace lost essential household contents, such as bed linen and white goods.
• Structural Assistance Grants of up to $50,000 for eligible applicants to help with structural repairs or contribution towards replacement of dwelling.
• Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Grants of up to $5,000 per household to inspect and reconnect damaged services, such as electricity, gas, and water.

Applications remain open and residents are encouraged to apply. For up-to-date information about disaster support and recovery, visit www.qld.gov.au/DisasterHelp or call the 24-hour Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt:

“It’s fantastic to see money hitting the ground where it’s needed in Far North Queensland.

“This support is helping families to buy essentials like food, clothing and medicine, to tackle short-term needs, and is done in collaboration with larger payments for farmers, small business owners and non-for-profits.

“The Albanese Government has also activated income support for people who have lost work, and Disaster Recovery Payments for people who have had homes badly impacted, and I encourage residents to jump on the myGov website to see what’s available.”

Quotes attributable to Minister Leeanne Enoch:

“Community Recovery staff are on the ground to help Queenslanders who have been impacted by Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the floods.

“Community Recovery Hubs have been activated across the affected areas for those who need emotional and wellbeing support as well as assistance in applying for grants.

“The Queensland Government is committed to continuing to provide financial and psychosocial assistance to Far North Queenslanders as quickly as possible.

“Payments are made directly to the applicants bank account, with funds becoming available depending on your banking arrangements.”

“You can visit a Community Recovery Hub or visit www.qld.gov.au/DisasterHelp or call the 24-hour Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 if you require assistance.”

Explainer/fast facts and/or further information:

• Community Recovery is providing financial and psychosocial assistance and services can be as quickly as possible to impacted people in Far North Queensland.
• Community Recovery Hubs will be open to assist residents with referral information and grant applications – check the website for up to date location and opening times - www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp
• Community Recovery hubs and pop-up hubs will be opened in other impacted communities as soon as it is safe to do so.
• Personal financial hardship assistance grants under jointly funded Commonwealth/State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) are available for residents within the local government areas of Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook (specified localities), Douglas, Hope Vale, Mareeba, Tablelands, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah
• Red Cross, Community Recovery staff and Ready Reserves have been deployed to the area to provide support.
• Detailed information about regional community support services is available here https://www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies/disasters/resources-translations/regional-support-brochures
• Up to date information about disaster support and recovery is available at www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp

ENDS

Media contacts –

Minister Enoch: Tim Auguston 0427 090 563

Minister Watt: Tali Eley 0499 770 772