Rainfall and flooding is affecting communities across parts of Queensland and New South Wales. As of 28th February 2022, residents in the flood affected local governments across those two states are eligible for financial support through federal and local governments.
For individuals
Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) of $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child is now available for people impacted by a flooding event.
The AGDRP is a one-off, non-means tested payment and is available to eligible people in those affected local government areas who have suffered a significant loss, including a severely damaged or destroyed home or serious injury.
If you lost income as a direct result of the floods, you may also be eligible for Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA). The DRA assists employees, small business persons and farmers who experience a loss of income as a direct result of a major disaster. This allowance provides for a maximum of 13 weeks payment from the date you have or will have a loss of income as a direct result of a disaster. The DRA payment is set at the maximum equivalent rate of Jobseeker Payment or Youth Allowance, depending on your personal circumstances, and is taxable.
Eligible residents in the affected Queensland and New South Wales local governments can claim support via myGov or by calling Services Australia on 180 22 66. You have until 12 July 2022 to make a claim.
In Queensland, the Emergency Hardship Assistance Grant is also available as a contribution to support people directly impacted by a disaster to who are unable to meet their immediate essential needs for food, clothing, medical supplies or temporary accommodation. Eligible applicants may receive $180 per person up to $900 for a family of five or more. The grant is initially available to claim for 7 days following the activation of the grant in your area.
In New South Wales, the government offers a Disaster Relief Grant for low-income earners whose home has been damaged by a natural disaster and who don’t have insurance.
For small businesses, primary producers & communities
On 5th March 2022, the Queensland state and federal governments have announced a financial support package of $558.5 million for small businesses, farmers, not for profit organisations and sporting and community clubs devastated by the flood emergency across south-east Queensland.
Demand driven grants of up to $75,000 for primary producers, up to $50,000 for affected small businesses and not-for-profit organisations, and $20,000 for sporting and community clubs and associations will be available through Queensland Government agencies to help flood-affected communities get back on their feet.These grants will be available through the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority, call 1800 623 946 or visit qrida.qld.gov.au.
Nineteen affected local government areas will also be helped through a $1 million injection each to assist with urgent clean-up works.