The Albanese Government is activating financial support for communities directly affected by the floods in North Queensland through the Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA).
The DRA 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 flooding in the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Burdekin, Cassowary Coast, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island and Townsville.
It is available to individuals who live or work in the declared LGAs and have lost some or all of their income due to the disaster. To be eligible for the DRA, a person’s income must have fallen below the average Australian weekly income as a result of the floods.
Applications for the DRA will open at 2pm on Wednesday 5 February.
Before they claim, people can check their eligibility on the Services Australia website at: Natural Disaster Support.
The easiest way to claim is online through myGov. If people need help to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
“In the worst of times we see the best of Australians.
“We’ve seen that in recent days in Queensland, with Australians helping one another in their time of need.
“My Government is there to support them through this difficult period and help on the other side.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Government Services Katy Gallagher:
“The last thing anyone impacted by natural disasters needs is more stress about making ends meet, paying bills, and putting food on the table.
“That’s why, in the wake of severe weather and flooding across Northern Queensland, we are providing up to 13 weeks of income support through the Disaster Recovery Allowance to people who have lost work.
“These payments will mean communities can focus on their longer-term recovery, and I encourage those impacted to check their eligibility for Disaster Recovery Allowance on Services Australia’s website.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister:
“Communities across Far North and North Queensland have been impacted by heavy rainfall and severe flooding, damaging roads, isolating communities and making it difficult for people to get to work.
“We’re moving quickly to activate financial assistance for impacted individuals and families, ensuring they are supported through these challenging times.
“Queenslanders are a resilient lot, but now is a time for us to reach out and help. The Australian Government will work hand in glove with the Queensland Government to support them through this event and into recovery."