Additional disaster assistance is being rolled out across the Northern Territory, with Personal Hardship Payments now activated for communities impacted by severe weather, flooding and the impacts of Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle.
The support is being provided by the Albanese and Finocchiaro Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Eligible residents in Greater Darwin Unincorporated Area, Cox-Daly Unincorporated Area, Marrakai-Douglas Daly Unincorporated Area, East Arnhem Regional Council, Groote Archipelago Regional Council, Katherine Town Council, Roper Gulf Regional Council and Victoria Daly Regional Council areas will be able to access Personal Hardship Payments, including:
Immediate relief payments of up to $611 per adult and $309 per child, capped at $1,537 per family, to assist people experiencing personal hardship. These payments are not means tested and provide immediate support.Emergency accommodation assistance of up to $1,160 per family, providing means-tested support for short-term accommodation.Support for essential household items of up to $8,843 per household, providing means-tested assistance to repair or replace essential household items damaged by flooding.
These measures are designed to support households as they recover from widespread impacts, including flooding, isolation and damage to essential infrastructure.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain said both levels of government have activated this support as quickly as possible for people impacted by Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle.
"Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle has crossed the Northern Territory coast impacting coastal communities and is unfortunately anticipated to travel further inland over areas impacted by significant flooding over recent weeks," Minister McBain said.
"The situation is dynamic and we are asking people in the path of the system to be prepared to act in an emergency and stay safe.
"We know this is a difficult time for everyone impacted by these events, especially for communities who are unable to return to their homes because it's still not safe and those who have only just started to recover."
Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said it was critical communities devastated by consecutive floods received on-going relief as quickly as possible.
"We know Tropical Cyclone Narelle and ongoing flooding has had a real impact on communities across the Territory. These measures are about getting support where it's needed most and helping families as we ultimately move into recovery.
"The Northern Territory Government is committed to ensuring people overwhelmed by this unprecedented weather event are supported."
