- Flood hardship assistance is now available to more residents in Gladstone, and primary producer support has been activated for Gladstone and Banana.
- Eligible residents can access grants to cover the costs of emergency essentials, while impacted farmers can apply for grants, loans and subsidies.
- Assistance is provided by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have activated more financial support for flood affected residents in Gladstone and for primary producers in the Gladstone and Banana local government areas following recent torrential downpours across central Queensland.
Personal Hardship Assistance for eligible Gladstone households includes emergency payments of $180 for individuals and up to $900 for a family of five or more to purchase essentials such as food, clothing and medicine.
Additional hardship measures including Structural Assistance Grants up to $80,000 to repair a damaged home to a safe and habitable condition are available to assist vulnerable residents.
Newly activated localities in Gladstone include Colosseum, Euleilah, Mount Maria, Mount Tom, and Taunton, adding to the 10 areas in the region announced over the weekend.
For primary producers in the Gladstone and Banana LGAs who have experienced damage from the floods, they can access loans up to $2 million, grants up to $75,000, and freight subsidies up to $5,000.
Loans can be used for immediate recovery and operational needs, grants can cover costs associated with clean-up and the reinstatement of operations, and freight subsidies are available for the transportation of fodder, livestock, fencing, equipment and machinery.
Assistance is being delivered through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Applications for Personal Hardship Assistance can be made at www.disaster.qld.gov.au , disaster grants and loans at www.qrida.qld.gov.au , and freight subsidies through the Department of Primary Industries on 13 25 23.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said DRFA assistance provides a way forward for flood weary Queenslanders.
"For residents grappling with the impacts of these floods, this financial assistance will help them recover sooner," Minister McBain said.
"Hardship grants can help pay for groceries and replacement clothes, but also allow uninsured, low-income Queenslanders to reconnect services, replace damaged whitegoods, or carry out repairs to a flooded home.
"We're also acutely aware of the challenges being faced by Queensland primary producers right now, which is why we're offering a range of disaster support measures to help with recovery and to keep businesses afloat."
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the Crisafulli Government was as determined as ever to help Queenslanders get through this disaster season.
"Our sleeves are rolled up and we remain focused on our mission of delivering for Queensland, whatever the weather," Minister Leahy said.
"We will continue to work with impacted councils to identify where assistance is needed and make sure it's promptly activated.
"Anyone needing urgent disaster support can call the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline around the clock on 1800 173 349. We have officers ready to respond."
