Tropical Cyclone Narelle triggers more disaster support for the Cape

Cyclone affected residents, small businesses and not-for-profits in communities across Cape York can now access disaster assistance to help with urgent recovery needs.

Eligible households in Cook Shire, Lockhart River and Napranum impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle can apply for emergency payments of $180 for individuals, up to $900 for a family of five or more to cover the costs of essentials like food, clothing and medicine.

Hardship grants have been activated for all part of Lockhart River and Napranum, and 15 localities in Cook Shire: Archer River, Coen, Edward River, Holroyd River, Iron Range, Jardine River, Lakefield, Lizard Island, Lockhart River, Mapoon, Mission River, Shelburne, Starcke, Wenlock, and Yarraden.

Vulnerable residents in the Cook localities listed above can also apply for other measures targeting low income, uninsured residents, including Structural Assistance Grants up to $80,000 to repair a damaged home to a safe and habitable condition.

Disaster loans up to $250,000 have been extended to impacted small businesses in Cook, Hope Vale, Lockhart River, Mapoon, Napranum, and Weipa, and loans up to $100,000 are available to not-for-profits in Aurukun, Cook, Lockhart River and Napranum.

This financial aid can be put towards critical recovery and operational needs like repairs, restocking and paying wages so businesses can keep their doors open and community organisations can continue their important work.

Residents can apply for hardship grants at www.disaster.qld.gov.au or by phoning the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349, while business and not-for-profit disaster loans can be requested through www.qrida.qld.gov.au.

These disaster assistance measures are delivered by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

In addition, all councils across the Cape are receiving DRFA support for their counter disaster activities and the reconstruction of essential assets.

This means councils have access to funding for urgent clean-up activities aimed at public safety and can also plan for long-term repairs to their damaged roads, floodways and bridges.

The Queensland Reconstruction Authority will continue working with all councils impacted by Cyclone Narelle to activate any further assistance under the DRFA wherever it's needed.

For any Queenslander requiring disaster support, the Community Recovery Hotline is available around the clock, seven days a week.