Assistance measures for people of the north
I WELCOME today’s activation by Prime Minister Scott Morrison of immediate financial assistance for those battling ongoing heavy rainfall and flooding in the Townsville region via the Australian Government’s Disaster Recovery Payment.
I would also like to thank the many hard-working and dedicated men and women in various arms of government who are seeking to keep people safe as the flood crisis continues.
The people of Townsville and the surrounding region have been copping an absolute bucketing with this monsoon, and while the people of the north are no strangers to a big wet, this is the worst we’ve seen for many years.
I want to thank the many hard-working men and women who will be working long hours and battling difficult conditions to help others through this crisis, while still dealing with the impacts on their own homes and families.
There are many Federal Government employees who are delivering services, from the Australian Defence Force out on the ground, to the Bureau of Meteorology who are doing a magnificent job of keeping us all informed of present and future impacts.
Of course our thanks also go to the Queensland Police Service, the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service, the SES and other emergency services personnel.
Staff in Human Services departments like Centrelink and also at the Department of Communities will also be stretched as they deal with an unprecedented number of claims.
The bottom line is we all need to be considerate of each other in these very trying times.
Affected residents should also note there are a range of financial assistance measures from the Federal Government.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has activated the Australian Government’s Disaster Recovery Payment which provides $1000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children.
This will be available forpeople in the following areas from tomorrow:
Townsville - Alligator Creek, Beach Holm, Black River,Bluewater, Bluewater Park, Bohle, Burdell, Condon, Cluden, Deeragun, Jensen,Julago, Kelso, Kirwan, Mt Low, Nome, Toolakea, Rosslea, Hermit Park, Oonoonba,Idalia, Railway Estate, Rasmussen, Saunders Creek (Bohle Plains), SouthTownsville, Stoney Creek (Roseneath),
Stuart,Townsville City, Wulguru and Yabulu.
Burdekin- Barratta, Cromarty, Giru, Horseshoe Lagoon, Jerona, Majors Creek (BurdekinShire), Mount Surround, Shirbourne and Upper Haughton.
Further emergency assistance is provided jointly (50/50) by the Federal and the State Government to meet immediate essential needs.
The Emergency Hardship Assistance provides $180 per person or up to $900 for a family of 5 or more, for those deemed eligible.
Those seeking assistance,which is provided through the Department of Communities, can:
- call1800 173 349
- accessthe self recovery app (Google the words – self recovery)
- applyonline at www.communityrecovery.qld.gov.au