Disaster assistance activated following destructive SEQ hailstorms

Severe weather season is well and truly in force with south-east Queensland smashed again, this time by a damaging series of hailstorms that rolled through the region this week.

Around 100,000 SEQ households were left without power thanks to wind gusts up to 120 kilometres, gigantic hail and heavy rain, with felled trees and power lines blocking roads and resulting in thousands of calls to SES.

To boost recovery in impacted communities, a range of support measures have been activated through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

This includes Personal Hardship Assistance, which has been made available to eligible impacted residents in 65 suburbs across Moreton Bay, 14 suburbs and several targeted streets across Noosa Shire, 28 suburbs and towns throughout the Sunshine Coast, and eight suburbs of Redland City.

DRFA hardship assistance provides access to emergency financial aid for those directly impacted by the hailstorms and extreme weather.

This includes grants of $180 for individuals and up to $900 for a family of five or more to cover the costs of essentials like food, clothing and medicine.

Low income and uninsured residents can apply for assistance to replace destroyed essential household contents such as bed linen and whitegoods, and to have services like electricity, gas, water and sewerage reconnected.

Storm affected residents in Moreton Bay, Noosa, Redland and the Sunshine Coast can learn about the support available, check their eligibility and apply for grants via www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp or the 24/7 Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

DRFA assistance to fund urgent council recovery work has also been switched on for five local government areas.

Central Highlands, Fraser Coast, Noosa, and Sunshine Coast Councils can access funding for their counter disaster operations, emergency road repairs, and the reconstruction of essential public assets, while City of Moreton Bay can recoup the costs of their community response activities.

Queensland Reconstruction Authority remains in close contact with affected councils and relevant state agencies and is positioned ready to activate all necessary support required.

Ensure you're prepared for severe weather by visiting www.getready.qld.gov.au.