- Eligible residents in Redland and Sunshine Coast impacted by Monday's hail event can now access emergency financial support.
- Personal Hardship Assistance includes grants of $180 per person, up to $900 for a family of five or more to purchase food, clothing and medicine.
- Support is being made available through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Another two local government areas in south-east Queensland have been activated for Personal Hardship Assistance to help communities affected by this week's storms.
Eligible impacted residents in Redland and Sunshine Coast can apply for a number of grants to help them get back on their feet, including emergency funds to replace spoiled food or medicine.
Assistance is funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Activated suburbs in each LGA include:
Redland: Alexandra Hills, Birkdale, Capalaba, Cleveland, Ormiston, Sheldon, Thorneside, and Wellington Point.
Sunshine Coast: Bald Knob, Belli Park, Beerwah, Caloundra, Caloundra West, Cambroon, Chevallum, Conondale, Coolum Beach, Doonan, Glasshouse, Kenilworth, Maleny, Marcoola, Maroochy River, Montville, Mount Coolum, Mudjimba, Ninderry, Pacific Paradise, Palmwoods, Peachester, Peregian, Peregian Springs, Reesvile, Twin Waters, Warana, and Yaroomba.
This extension of support follows the activation of Personal Hardship Assistance for 61 suburbs across Moreton Bay hit hard by the hailstorms.
Applications for grants can be made at www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp or by calling the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349, with information on the assistance and eligibility available via both channels.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the funding will be welcome for Queenslanders in need.
"The destruction from these storms was significant and it's called for an equally strong response," Minister McBain said.
"Long after severe weather has passed, we will be there for communities, and this expansion of hardship assistance in south-east Queensland highlights that commitment."
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said anyone affected who thinks they may qualify for support should apply now.
"These grants are crucial to get those impacted over the hump, so I urge residents in these activated areas to visit www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp and check their eligibility," Minister Leahy said.
"Our Community Recovery Hotline is also available 24/7 on 1800 173 349, with government staff ready to talk you through the grants available and the application process."
Personal Hardship Assistance available to eligible SEQ residents:
Emergency Hardship Assistance – $180 per person, up to $900 for a family of five or more to purchase immediate essentials like food, clothing and medicine.
Essential Services Hardship Assistance – $150 per person, up to $750 for a family of five or more to assist with immediate needs following the loss of essential services at home for more than five consecutive days.
Essential Household Contents Grants – income-tested assistance for uninsured residents, up to $1,765 for individuals and up to $5,300 for couples or families to replace destroyed essential household contents such as bed linen and whitegoods.
Structural Assistance Grants – up to $80,000 for uninsured, income-tested owner-occupiers towards the repair or replacement of a disaster damaged dwelling to return it to a safe and habitable condition.
Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme – income-tested grants to help uninsured residents reconnect damaged services like electricity, gas, water or sewerage. Up to $5,000 per household.
