How to apply for flood disaster assistance

Personal hardship disaster assistance has been extended to residents affected by recent severe weather and flooding in the Moreton Bay Regional Council area.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The Federal Government, now in caretaker mode ahead of Saturday’s election, will continue to work with the State Government to ensure those affected receive the support they need.

State Fire and Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan says personal hardship disaster assistance will help meet the immediate essential needs of flood-affected residents such as food, temporary accommodation, clothing and medication.

“Grants of up to $180 per person, to a maximum of $900 for a family of five or more, are now available to eligible people experiencing financial hardship as a result of the floods that impacted a number of streets in the Moreton Bay Regional Council area,” Mr Ryan says.

“Grants are also available to assist with the safe reconnection of essential services once those residents return to their homes.

“It is essential that those hardest hit by this latest flooding have access to the assistance they need to help them get back on their feet.”

Moreton Bay Region Mayor Peter Flannery says residents of hard-hit areas including Beachmere, Deception Bay, Burpengary and Burpengary East can now apply.

“This is new offer, in addition to what was provided back in February, so if floods hit you in recent days you’re eligible again," he explains.

“The State Government will be reaching out directly to some people, focusing specifically on properties along Beachmere Rd and Riversleigh Rd. Please get online to check your eligibility and apply as soon as you can.

“We’ve had crews out repairing potholes and flood damage since the sun came back out, but the road to recovery will still take some time.”

For information about Personal Hardship Assistance, and for the latest list of locations which are eligible, phone the Community Recovery Hotline 1800 173 349 or visit https://www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies

Information about disaster assistance can be found the Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s website at https://www.qra.qld.gov.au/

In total, 12 LGAs have been activated for DRFA assistance in response to the Southern Queensland rainfall and flooding event, including: Brisbane, Fraser Coast, Gladstone, Gold Coast, Gympie, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, North Burnett, South Burnett, Southern Downs and Toowoomba.