Community Hubs up and running for North Queenslanders impacted by Tropical Cyclone Kirrily

• Community Recovery Hubs are open to assist residents with grant applications and referral information.
• For hub location details, and for financial assistance or emotional support, contact the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 or visit www.qld.gov.au/DisasterHelp.
• Grants are available for people impacted by Tropical Cyclone Kirrily in all locations in the local government areas of Townsville City and Burdekin Shire.
• Anyone who requires emotional support or someone to talk to is urged to contact Lifeline on 1800 116 671 from 8am to 8pm daily.

Community Recovery workers are already on the ground in North Queensland providing financial and psychosocial assistance and services to impacted communities.

Community Recovery Hubs have already opened in Ayr, Bluewater and Townsville to assist residents in Townsville and Burdekin to access face-to-face support.

The Miles Government is providing financial assistance and emotional support for North Queenslanders who have suffered hardship or are unable to meet their immediate needs in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Kirrily.

Residents in all locations in the local government areas of Townsville and Burdekin can apply for the Emergency Hardship Assistance Grant under jointly funded Commonwealth/State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

The Emergency Hardship Assistance Grant provides $180 per person and up to $900 for a family of five or more to support immediate essential needs, such as food, medication, clothing and temporary accommodation.

This includes hardship due to loss of power requiring people to dispose of spoilt food or medicines. This grant is not income or asset tested.

Other grants may be made available to residents if they experience disruption of essential services, such as power and water, for more than five consecutive days:

• 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 more than five consecutive days due to the disaster. This grant is not income or asset tested.
• 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. This grant is subject to an income test.

The Community Recovery Hotline (1800 173 349) is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for people to obtain information, support and assistance with grant applications.

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 Minister Leeanne Enoch:

“Impacted Townsville and Burdekin residents can access grants straight away, to help households recover and get back to life as normal, as soon as possible.

“Residents can apply for financial assistance online, or they can head into a Community Recovery Hub or call the 24/7 Community Recovery Hotline for application assistance and other supports.

“If you have had to throw away food, medicines or other essentials because of loss of power resulting from the cyclone – even if your power was out for just a couple of days – you can apply for an Emergency Hardship Assistance Grant.

“For residents who lose essential services, like power, for more than five days, help is available through the Essential Services Hardship Assistance Grant.

“We have dedicated Community Recovery team members processing grants as quickly as possible so that funds make it into bank accounts promptly.

“Applicants are encouraged to check they have provided all the necessary information, like a driver’s license, Medicare and bank account details, as well as a valid email address.”

Explainer/fast facts and/or further information:

Community Recovery Hubs

Community Recovery Hubs are a place where residents who are experiencing hardship can apply for grants and obtain emotional and wellbeing support.

Up-to-date information about Community Recovery Hub locations and opening hours can be found at: https://www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies/disasters/money-finance/eligibility-apply/tc-kirrily-january-2024

Eligible Local Government Areas (LGAs):

• Townsville City LGA (all locations)
• Burdekin Shire LGA (all locations)

ENDS

Media contact – Tim Auguston 0427 090 563

Community Recovery Pop-up Hub

Community Recovery Hubs