The federal, New South Wales and Queensland governments have announced emergency financial assistance for residents in the north-east who have been severely impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
For New South Wales, the jointly funded package will provide emergency financial assistance of $180 for individuals or up to $900 per family to cover essential costs such as food, clothing, medicines and emergency accommodation.
The Personal Hardship Assistance Grant for individuals and families is part of a range of support aimed at helping people recover.
To be eligible for the grant individuals must reside in one of the declared affected Local Government Areas of Armidale, Ballina, Bellingen, Byron, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Glenn Innes Severn, Kempsey, Kyogle, Lismore, Lord Howe Island, MidCoast, Nambucca Valley, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Richmond Valley, Tenterfield and Tweed.
Further, individuals must have either:
- Been subject to evacuation orders (Category red emergency warning)
- Experienced power outages of more than 48 hours
Applicants must demonstrate they have suffered hardship as result of the disaster, making them unable to meet immediate needs.
Applications will open on Wednesday 12 March and will be open until 8 April 2025.
These payments are part of the federal and New South Wales governments’ ongoing commitment to helping residents rebuild their lives following the severe impacts of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Impacted community members are encouraged to visit New South Wales Government Recovery Assistance Points which will be operating in key locations.
To find out where these will be and about other support available go to www.nsw.gov.au/cyclonealfredrecovery
In Queensland, support includes a range of grants to assist with the purchase of emergency essentials, the replacement of damaged household items, and income-tested assistance for property structural repairs and the reconnection of essential services.
Residents can check eligibility and apply via www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp, or by phoning the 24/7 Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.
Lockyer Valley Regional Council and Southern Downs Regional Councils have also been activated to receive funding for their counter disaster operations and the reconstruction of essential public assets, including emergency repairs to the region’s road network.
These councils join the previously activated councils of Brisbane, Fraser Coast, Gold Coast, Gympie, Ipswich, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, and Sunshine Coast.
In addition, the federal government has activated the Disaster Recovery Allowance for communities directly affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
This 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.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that the state and federal governments are working together to get this money out the door as quickly as possible.
Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, said that it has been tough going for the communities impacted by TC Alfred.
“In particular those families who have been without power for days or required to leave their homes under evacuation orders have faced huge challenges,” Premier Minns said.
“We know these communities are concerned about the cost of re-stocking the fridge or replacing damaged goods.
“This payment will go a bit of the way to providing some immediate relief for hardship experienced.”
Federal Minister for Emergency Services, Jenny McAllister, said that this payment will help provide some immediate assistance after a very tough week for Northern New South Wales.
“We’re acting quickly to make financial assistance for impacted individuals and families available,” Minister McAllister said.
“We know recovery will take some time, but we are here for the long haul.”
New South Wales Minister for Planning, Paul Scully, said that through this financial assistance, the government aims to ease the burden of immediate costs like food, clothing and accommodation, helping individuals and families get back on their feet as quickly as possible.
“Eligible residents in the affected areas can apply for the financial assistance package starting Wednesday March 13,” Minister Scully said.
“We encourage those in need to apply through Service NSW online or in person, and we are committed to making sure this support reaches those who need it most, as soon as possible.”
New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, said, “Our hearts go out to the people of this region who have done it particularly tough but continuously shown their resilience and spirit in recent years.
“These payments in partnership with the federal government will help the community by ensuring we get immediate financial relief to where it’s needed.
“We will continue to work alongside our agencies and service partners to provide the community the help and support they need to recover.”
For more details on the Disaster Recovery Allowance go to Services Australia website at servicesaustralia.gov.au/natural-disaster-support
Other support available to communities as a result of Tropical Cyclone Alfred can be found www.nsw.gov.au/cyclonealfredrecovery
