In the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily, the federal-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) are being extended to more local government areas across Queensland, so more communities can access relief resources.
Flood affected residents in the Hinchinbrook LGA and the targeted areas of Hervey Range in Charters Towers, Kynuna and McKinlay in McKinlay Shire, and Warra in the Western Downs can apply for financial support through the Personal Hardship Assistance Scheme.
This includes grants of $180 for individuals and up to $900 for a family of five or more to cover the costs of essentials like food, clothing and medicine, and other measures to help eligible residents make their homes safe and to reconnect essential services.
The councils of Charters Towers, Cloncurry, Lockyer Valley, Townsville and Winton have also been activated for DRFA support to assist with counter disaster operations and the reconstruction of essential public assets, while Palm Island will receive support as well to repair or rebuild any damaged roads and bridges.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt, said that the town of McKinlay is currently isolated by floodwaters and residents in Kynuna had to be evacuated to Cloncurry ahead of Julia Creek overtopping its banks.
“Personal Hardship Assistance boosts disaster recovery by helping people cover the costs of what they need, when they need it most,” Mr Watt said.
“We’re also backing councils hardest hit by this disaster, helping to relieve some of the financial pressure so they can focus on responding and rebuilding.”
The minister responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, Nikki Boyd, said that the activation of Personal Hardship Assistance will help those hurting right now.
“Eligible Queenslanders can now apply through www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp or by calling the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349,” Ms Boyd said.
While the full scope of damage continues to be assessed, the extension of this disaster assistance will help communities right away.
“This is an unpredictable weather system, but we can and will do whatever is needed to help Queenslanders get through this.”
