Personal Hardship Assistance has been extended to flood-affected residents of Carpentaria, with emergency payments of $180 per individual – up to $900 for a family of five or more – to help affected residents cover immediate essentials such as food, medicine and clothing.
Eligible uninsured residents in Carpentaria can also apply for three income-tested grants to assist with replacing essential household items, reconnecting essential services, and repairing flood damaged homes.
Funding is available under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), provided by the Federal and Queensland Governments.
Carpentaria Shire is the latest area activated for hardship assistance, with eligible residents in Clermont, targeted areas of the Mackay LGA, and Flinders, McKinlay, Richmond and Winton Shires also encouraged to apply.
Applications can be made at www.disaster.qld.gov.au or by calling the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.
Another eight councils have also been activated for DRFA assistance to recoup the costs of their counter disaster operations and the reconstruction of essential public assets.
These councils include Barcaldine, Barcoo, Boulia, Cairns, Kowanyama, Longreach, Mapoon, and Torres Strait Island, taking the total number of DRFA activated local governments in response to the North Queensland Monsoon Trough and ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji to 39.
“During extended disaster events like this, it’s essential nobody slips through the cracks and support is delivered promptly where it’s needed,” said Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain.
“This funding will make sure some of our most isolated communities in Australia can stay safe, connected and functioning.”
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery, Ann Leahy said the financial support would help communities push through the challenging times to come.
“We’re working closely with every impacted council and through the Queensland Reconstruction Authority we’ll guide immediate and long-term recovery efforts,” Minister Leahy said.
“For residents in need of disaster support, our Community Recovery team can be reached day and night by calling 1800 173 349.”
