The entire Townsville City Council local government areas has now been activated for financial assistance, with the Palaszczuk Government ramping up its efforts to support North Queenslanders affected by the worst flooding in the region for decades.
Acting Communities Minister Shannon Fentiman said the past few days had been incredibly tough for North Queenslanders and many areas were still badly affected by flooding.
"This continued heavy rain and flooding has damaged homes, isolated communities and displaced people from their homes," Ms Fentiman said.
"We know that many people across Townsville need Emergency Hardship Assistance grants to help them meet their immediate needs as this disaster continues to unfold.
"These grants, through jointly-funded Commonwealth/State Disaster Relief Funding Arrangements (DRFA), are now available help cover the costs of essential items – such as food, medication and clothing – for people directly impacted by this monsoonal trough.
"Up to $180 per person, to a maximum of $900 for a family of five or more, is provided to people experiencing genuine financial hardship as a result of flooding."
Affected residents can go to www.communityrecovery.qld.gov.au or download the Self Recovery app for information or to apply for grants, including Emergency Hardship Grants.
When completing grant applications online, please use your full name as it appears on your driver’s licence and triple check the information you are putting into the form.
Ms Fentiman said incomplete applications and those with incorrect information will take longer to process – and that means it will take longer for you to receive your grant payment.
"If you need assistance to fill out the online forms or you would prefer to lodge the application over the phone you can ring the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.
Ms Fentiman said Ready Reserve staff were being deployed to support locally-led community recovery efforts, with more expected to be deployed over the coming days.
"They will be out in the community door-knocking homes and operating community recovery hubs as soon as floodwaters recede and it’s safe for everyone to travel to these hard-hit areas," she said.
The Queensland Government is continuing to monitor and assess the needs of other communities affected by this weather event.
