- Personal Hardship Assistance is now available to more eligible residents across south-east Queensland impacted by recent storms.
- Localities in the Somerset, Gympie, and Sunshine Coast local government areas have been activated for assistance under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
- Eligible residents will be reimbursed for the cost of replacing essential items such as food and medicine, and the cost to reconnect services.
Areas in Somerset Regional and Gympie Regional Councils are the latest to be activated for Personal Hardship Assistance following recent severe storms.
Assistance through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) has also been extended to more localities on the Sunshine Coast.
Eligible residents in these areas can apply for funding to cover emergency recovery needs such as replacing spoiled food and medicines, and the cost of essential services being reconnected.
Grants of $180 for individuals and up to $900 for a family of five or more are available.
Localities include:
Gympie: Coondoo, Goomborian, Imbil, Kandanga, Traveston and Wolvi
Somerset: Borallon, Hazeldean, Sandy Creek, and Wanora
Sunshine Coast: Buderim, Cooloolabin, Crohamhurst, Kuluin, Meridan Plains, North Arm, and Pelican Waters.
Gympie Regional Council has also been activated for DRFA funding to cover costs of the reconstruction of essential public assets and counter disaster operations following the severe storms.
Personal Hardship Assistance following November's wild storms, which caused widespread damage and power outages, has now stretched to seven local government areas across south-east Queensland, with nine councils receiving DRFA support.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the Albanese Government would support impacted communities recovering from the storms.
"We know how difficult severe weather events can be for those impacted and the importance of getting life back to normal as soon as possible," Minister McBain said.
"We will continue to work with the Crisafulli Government to extend the DRFA where needed to ensure communities in south-east Queensland are given the support they need."
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said work continues identifying impacted areas.
"We are working with local governments across the south-east to identify those communities and residents that need support for their recovery," Minister Leahy said.
"It is essential that those hardest hit by the recent hailstorms have access to the assistance they need to help them get back on their feet."
The full list, and information on grants, eligibility and how to apply, is at www.disaster.qld.gov.au .
