More disaster assistance rolls out for SEQ

• The Australian and Queensland Governments have announced new support measures to boost disaster recovery and resilience operations in south-east Queensland.
• The exceptional circumstances assistance is jointly funded through Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and comes in the wake of some of the worst storms SEQ has ever experienced.
• Additional grants for small businesses, farmers and non-profit organisations also activated for SEQ.

The Albanese and Miles Governments are delivering further disaster assistance to help South East Queensland recover from recent severe storms.

Today’s announcement will support local clean-up efforts, invest in specialised recovery staff and provide grants to primary producers, small business owners and non-profit organisations:

• A $20 million Clean-Up Program will assist in response to both the south-east Queensland storms and ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper. Gold Coast, Scenic Rim, Logan and Far North Queensland Councils, and state agencies will be supported as they continue their work clearing debris from community assets, parks, national parks, beaches and waterways.
• Grants of up to $75,000 have been activated for affected primary producers, and up to $50,000 for affected small business owners and non-profit organisations in impacted parts of South East Queensland.
• Local Recovery and Resilience Grants of $1 million, announced last Thursday, will be jointly funded by Commonwealth and State, and provided to the City of Gold Coast, Logan City Council and Scenic Rim Regional Council to go towards local recovery initiatives and disaster relief.
• In recognition of its resourcing constraints, Scenic Rim Council will also receive a small amount of direct funding to engage a project manager and other skilled workers to design, coordinate and manage extraordinary recovery efforts.

A range of previously announced financial assistance for impacted residents, businesses and councils remains available as well, including Personal Hardship Assistance grants and Disaster Assistance Loans.

Residents in need of disaster support can call the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Our Government is here for Queensland in this critical time of need. We are committed to helping Queensland communities recover from the devastating impacts of extreme weather events.”

“This support will deliver the expertise and the resources to keep the job going and ensure recovery efforts are seen through.

“We know it’s been a terrible start to the year for many Queenslanders, but we will continue to work with the Miles Government to make sure the South East rebounds stronger than before.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Premier Steven Miles:

“The resilience shown by impacted communities has been remarkable, but we know targeted disaster assistance is required to keep recovery moving at speed,” Premier Miles said.

“Queenslanders are bred tough, but when we’re faced with testing times we need to band together and support each other, doing whatever it takes to help.

“I want to acknowledge the incredible will of our frontline services, councils and residents, and this exceptional circumstances package we’re announcing today will help them continue doing the vital work our state needs right now.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt:

“The road to recovery will be challenging, but we are standing with Councils to give them certainty of funding so they can keep full focus on their clean-up efforts.”

“The $20 million Clean-Up Program is accessible to our hardest-hit local governments, while the $1 million grants for Gold Coast, Logan and Scenic Rim can be put towards not only recovery but greater overall resilience.

“We are also opening up new grants for affected farmers, small business owners and non-profit organisations to help get them back on their feet.”

Quotes attributable to minister responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Nikki Boyd:

“The recovery efforts in the south east and far north will be enormous and we are with those communities every step of the way,” Ms Boyd said.

“This assistance recognises the extraordinary support that’s needed.

“I also want to remind disaster impacted Queenslanders of the various other financial measures available - anyone needing help should phone our Community Recovery Hotline, 1800 173 349.”

More information:

Clean-up Program – $20 million

• Available to impacted councils and state agencies in response to both the south-east Queensland storms and ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
• Funding for extraordinary clean-up activities and damage assessments of community and recreational assets, parks, waterways and beaches, and national parks.

Local Resilience and Recovery Grants – $3 million

• Confirmed Commonwealth-State funding (announced on Thursday) will deliver $1 million to each of the three councils hardest hit by the SEQ storms: Gold Coast, Logan and Scenic Rim.
• Grants to undertake locally-led recovery initiatives, build greater community resilience, and reduce the impacts of future severe weather events.

Assistance Grants for small business:

• Grants of up to $50,000 are available for directly-impacted small businesses to hire or purchase equipment and materials, clean up, remove debris, replace or repair damaged infrastructure and stock, and other costs associated with the recovery process.

Assistance Grants for farmers and primary producers:

• Primary producers who have suffered direct damage can apply for grants of up to $75,000.
• Grants will assist with short-term recovery needs including pasture rehabilitation, fodder, replacing livestock, and repairs to infrastructure and equipment. 

Assistance Grants for non-profit organisations:

• Grants of up to $50,000 are available for directly-impacted non-profit organisations to hire or purchase equipment and materials, clean up, remove debris, repair or replace damaged infrastructure or goods and other costs associated with the recovery process.

Further information on DRFA exceptional circumstances measures can be found at www.qra.qld.gov.au.

ENDS