Disaster assistance extended to more flood affected regions

Disaster recovery assistance from the Australian and Queensland governments has been extended to more regions affected by Queensland’s ongoing floods crisis.

Flood impacted residents in targeted parts of Bundaberg and Douglas, and the shire of Banana can now access disaster assistance payments of $180 for individuals and up to $900 for a family of five or more.

Emergency payments will help eligible residents cover the cost of essentials including food, clothing and medicine.

Newly activated areas for Personal Hardship Assistance include the entire shire of Banana, Bundaberg Central, Bundaberg East, Bundaberg North, and Bundaberg South in Bundaberg, and Cape Tribulation, Cow Bay, Daintree, Daintree Village, Degarra, Diwan, Lower Daintree, Thornton Beach, and Upper Daintree in Douglas shire.

A range of other hardship grants targeting vulnerable households are also available, including Structural Assistance Grants up to $80,000 to repair damaged homes to a safe and habitable condition.

Affected residents can visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au for information on available grants, eligibility, and how to apply.

Queenslanders needing urgent disaster support are encouraged to call the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

Disaster assistance is also available for flood impacted not-for-profit organisations in Banana, Bundaberg and Douglas.

Eligible organisations can apply for disaster loans of up to $100,000 via www.qrida.qld.gov.au or by calling 1800 623 946.

These concessional loans can be used to repair or replace damaged equipment, amenities and infrastructure, replace stock, and to cover operational costs like wages, rent or rates.

DRFA assistance has also been made available to the local governments of Bundaberg, Cherbourg, Fraser Coast, Gympie, North Burnett and South Burnett.

This funding allows councils to recoup the costs of their counter disaster operations, emergency road repairs, and the reconstruction of essential public assets.

Support is being delivered under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The Queensland Government stands ready to extend further assistance measures under the DRFA to ensure a complete recovery from this latest flood disaster to strike the state.