Joint media release with the Hon Ann Leahy
- Flood hardship assistance is being expanded in Bundaberg and Douglas, and extended to Carpentaria, Doomadgee, McKinlay and Western Downs.
- Eligible residents impacted by this week's flooding can access payments to cover emergency essentials and other recovery needs.
- Another three Queensland councils will also receive Commonwealth-state funding support for their response and recovery efforts.
The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have activated Personal Hardship Assistance for more flood impacted Queenslanders in the local government areas of Bundaberg, Carpentaria, Doomadgee, Douglas, McKinlay and Western Downs.
The financial support, funded under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), includes emergency payments of $180 for individuals and up to $900 for a family of five or more for essentials like food, clothing and medicine.
Other measures mainly targeting uninsured, low-income residents are also available in certain areas, including grants to reconnect essential services, to replace flood damaged whitegoods, and to carry out urgent repairs to make a home safe and habitable.
Newly activated Bundaberg localities include Avoca, Branyan, Bungadoo, Pine Creek, Morganville and South Kolan, and new localities in Douglas Shire are Bloomfield, Dagmar, Forest Creek, Kimberley, Noah and Stewart Creek Valley.
Residents impacted by this week's flooding can check their eligibility and see what support is available to them at Disasters | Queensland Government or by calling the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.
Bundaberg residents can also apply for assistance in person at local Community Recovery Hubs stood up in the city's south and west.
At a local government level, the councils of Bulloo, Lockhart River and Western Downs can now recoup the costs of their counter disaster operations and the reconstruction of essential public assets under the DRFA.
Not-for-profits in Doomadgee and Western Downs directly impacted by flooding can also apply for disaster loans up to $100,000 via Delivering financial assistance for rural and regional or by calling 1800 623 946, supporting immediate recovery and operational needs.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the government was was working closely with the Queensland Government to the assistance required to help communities get through the flood crisis.
"As the floodwaters recede and we learn more about the impacts, we'll continue activating the support measures Queensland needs," Minister McBain said.
"The financial assistance we're announcing today will give people a start on their recovery journey and hopefully raise their spirits in the face of this adversity.
"This has been a tough start to the year for so many communities in Queensland and I want them to know that the Albanese Government has their back."
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said that activating further assistance for flood affected Queenslanders remained a priority for the Crisafulli Government.
"This disaster season has been tough for our state, but by swiftly activating support will ensure the recovery process can be smoother for those affected," Minister Leahy said.
"We've just opened two Community Recovery Hubs in Bundaberg South and Bundaberg West offering services to help with grant applications, and for emotional and wellbeing support, with locations and operating hours on our Recovery Hub webpage."
