Financial assistance under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) is now available to flood affected residents in the Etheridge Shire Council area.
The assistance includes emergency payments of $180 for individuals and up to $900 for a family of five or more to cover immediate costs for food, clothing and medicine.
Support targeting low income, uninsured residents is being offered, including Structural Assistance Grants up to $80,000 to repair a damaged home to a safe and habitable condition.
“The funding available will help our North Queensland communities push through the challenging weeks and months ahead,” said Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy.
“We are in constant contact with all impacted councils and will keep activating the necessary financial aid to support recovery.”
Assistance for temporary emergency accommodation is also available to impacted residents in Etheridge Shire.
The measures come in the wake of heavy monsoonal rains that have caused the Copperfield and Gilbert Rivers to reach levels not seen for over half a century.
In addition, DRFA disaster loans up to $250,000 and freight subsidies up to $5,000 have been extended to primary producers in Etheridge Shire and the Central Highlands to help their flood recovery and sustain operations.
Applications for disaster loans can be made via www.qrida.qld.gov.au, while farmers needing freight subsidies can call Queensland’s Department of Primary Industries on 13 25 23.
For information on grants, eligibility and how to apply visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au.
