The Federal Government is today activating financial support for communities directly affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred through the Disaster Recovery Allowance.
The allowance offers up to 13 weeks of income support for eligible workers and sole traders depending on their personal circumstances who have suffered a loss of income as a direct result of the event.
It will be available in:
- 14 Local Government Areas in Queensland –Â Brisbane, Fraser Coast, Gold Coast, Gympie, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, Southern Downs and Sunshine Coast;
- 17 Local Government Areas in New South Wales – Armidale, Ballina, Bellingen, Byron, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Glen Innes Severn, Kempsey, Kyogle, Lismore, Mid-Coast, Nambucca, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Richmond, Tenterfield and Tweed as well as the locality of Lord Howe Island, including any islands within a 3 Nautical Mile radius.
It is available to individuals who live or work in these declared areas and have lost some or all of their income due to the disaster.
To be eligible for the Disaster Recovery Allowance, a person’s income must have fallen below the average Australian weekly income as a result of the floods.
Applications will open at 2pm local time, Tuesday 11 March. Before they claim, people can check their eligibility on the Services Australia website at Natural disaster support.
“At the worst of times we see the best of the Australian character. That’s exactly what we’ve seen in the past week in Queensland and New South Wales,” said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
“My message to these communities in this difficult time is we’ve got your back and will support you through the recovery.”
Minister for Government Services, Katy Gallagher said the past week had been tough for many in South East Queensland and Northern NSW.
“And while the rain will continue to fall, it’s essential that we support communities who have lost income due to this weather event,” said Ms Gallagher.
