The Federal and Queensland Governments have today announced disaster assistance for Tropical Cyclone Jasper will be extended to more areas, to help residents and local Councils cover response and reconstruction costs.
The Governments have activated further support under jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Acting Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Madeleine King said the announcement means the local government areas of Mareeba, Tablelands and Yarrabah can recoup the costs associated with disaster cleanup and repair damage caused by the event.
“Residents of Yarrabah who have been directly affected by Tropical Cyclone Jasper can also access personal hardship payments to purchase food, medicine and clothing,” she said.
“We will continue to work with the Queensland Government to extend the DRFA where needed to ensure the Far North region recovers as soon as possible, and I commend all emergency services, state agencies and councils for their efforts on the ground.”
Residents of Yarrabah can apply for the Personal Hardship Assistance grants of $180 for individuals and up to $900 for a family of five or more, available to cover the costs of essentials like food, clothing and medicine.
The Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme is also available to help eligible Yarrabah homeowners reconnect electricity, gas, water or sewerage.
The councils of Mareeba, Tablelands and Yarrabah can also now access funding for counter disaster operations and the reconstruction of essential public assets such as roads, bridges and floodways.
The new measures are in addition to the support activated on Thursday which provided Personal Hardship Assistance grants to impacted residents in Douglas and Wujal Wujal, and some Council support for Cairns, Cook, Douglas, Hopevale, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah.
“As severe weather continues to hit Far North Queensland, the Queensland and Australian Governments are now providing assistance to eight local government areas following Tropical Cyclone Jasper,” said Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, Cameron Dick.
“I ask all Queenslanders to continue following the advice of their local council and emergency authorities as we assess the ongoing damage in the aftermath of this cyclone.
“Through the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, we’ll continue to stay in close contact with all impacted councils and provide every bit of help needed.”
Further information on disaster assistance can be found at www.disasterassist.gov.au or www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp.
People requiring immediate assistance can contact the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.
