Community
22 December, 2023
Appeal for help starts
THE Queensland Government has made a $1.5 million donation to support people in Far North Queensland affected by the floods caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
The donation will be split across the Australian Red Cross ($350,000), The Salvation Army ($350,000), UnitingCare Queensland ($350,000), St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland ($350,000), and GIVIT ($100,000).
Queenslanders can join in donating to support the recovery by visiting www.qld.gov.au/fnqfloods
“All of Queensland is behind our mates in the Far North as they begin to pick up the pieces,” said Premier Steven Miles.
“It’s important that those impacted have the support that they need, which is why my government is chipping in a $1.5m donation,” he said.
“These funds will go to organisations on the ground providing hands-on support through the recovery.
“We are also working with the local governments and agencies so that people have the food, clothing, medicine and shelter they need.
“I want to thank the good Samaritans on the ground who are continuing to lend a hand, our hardworking emergency service workers and, of course, our volunteers.”
In the meantime people affected by the cyclone and floods in Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook, Douglas, Hope Vale, Mareeba, Tablelands, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah may now be eligible for the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment or Disaster Recovery Allowance. A Services Australia spokeswoman said the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment was a one-off payment of $1000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children. It is now available to eligible people who had been significantly affected by the cyclone, including a severely damaged or destroyed home or a serious injury. “Disaster Recovery Allowance is up to 13 weeks of income support for eligible Australian residents who have experienced a loss of income. It is equivalent to the maximum rate of JobSeeker Payment or Youth Allowance”, she said.
“Equivalent financial assistance is also available to eligible New Zealand citizens (‘non-protected’ Special Category Visas, subclass 444 holders).
“People can check what payments they may be eligible for and find out how to claim on the Services Australia website: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/disastersupport
Claims have opened.
As well more assistance is available for farmers and small business owners. They include:
Disaster assistance loans – Up to $250,000 for producers and small businesses and $100,000 for not-for-profits to repair or replace damaged assets like plant and equipment, to repair premises, or to replace stock and maintain liquidity. Contact: QRIDA on 1800 623 946 or via www.qrida.qld.gov.au
Essential working capital loans – Up to $100,000 for producers, small businesses and not-for-profits to allow for the continuation of operations, including paying wages, rents or rates, purchasing items such as fuel, fodder and water, or for the transportation of livestock and produce. Contact: QRIDA on 1800 623 946 or via www.qrida.qld.gov.au
Freight subsidies – Up to $5000 for primary producers to assist with the movement of stock, feed, machinery, fuel, water, and building or fencing materials. Contact: DAF on 13 25 23 or via www.daf.qld.gov.au
