The joint measure to help people in flood-ravaged areas is funded by the Queensland and Federal governments. Photo: Get Ready Queensland.
The Albanese Government is extending assistance for communities in flood-affected North Queensland through the Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) and the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP).
The DRA is being extended to the LGAs of Barcaldine, Blackall-Tambo, Cloncurry, Boulia, Diamantina, Hope Vale, Kowanyama, McKinlay, Longreach, Northern Peninsula Area, Pormpuraaw, Richmond and Winton as well as the 17 areas already covered under the scheme.
“We have listened and that is why we are extending this important payment to more areas in the flood-affected regions,” Minister for Government Services Katy Gallagher said.
“I encourage everyone living or working in these areas to jump on the Services Australia website and see if they’re eligible for these support payments and I know that they will be supported ably by the wonderful Services Australia teams across North Queensland.”
The AGDRP will also be extended to Kennedy, South Mission Beach, Vincent, Wulguru in Townsville City, Annandale, Belgian Gardens, Heatley, Hermit Park and Rowes Bay in addition to the 10 previously covered regions.
Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said: “The AGDRP and DRA are two of a range of measures we have activated to assist flood-impacted residents begin their recovery.”
The DRA is open to those who live or work in a designated LGA and have lost some or all of their income due to the disaster. To be eligible for support, an individual’s weekly income must have fallen below the Australian average as a result of the flood.
This assistance is in addition to the joint support provided by the Federal and Queensland governments under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). These include grants to support those affected who have lost home contents or essential services and those who require help reconnecting vital services and repairing unsafe homes.
“Recovery can take time and our government is here for the long haul. The Albanese Government will continue working hand in glove with the Crisafulli [Queensland] Government to support impacted communities in Queensland,” Ms McAllister said.
Grants are also in place to support primary producers, non-profit organisations, rural landholders and small businesses.
The payments are administered by the Queensland Government but jointly funded by the Commonwealth.
People can check their eligibility on the Services Australia website.
Anyone who needs help to claim can also call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.
