Disaster assistance activated for north Queenslanders impacted by ex-TC Kirrily

Financial support is now available for north Queensland residents and councils impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily.

Townsville City Council and Burdekin Shire Council residents can apply for Personal Hardship Assistance grants, with $180 for individuals and up to $900 for a family of five or more available to cover the costs of essentials like food, clothing and medicine, including the replacement of contents that may have spoiled due to loss of power.

Also available are a range of other personal hardship support measures to help eligible people make their home safe to live in, to replace damaged household items like linen and whitegoods, and to reconnect essential services such as electricity, water and sewerage.

This includes Structural Assistance Grants up to $50,000 that can be accessed by uninsured, income-tested owner-occupiers towards the repair or replacement of a disaster damaged dwelling.

Financial assistance is also being provided directly to affected councils, with Burdekin, Hinchinbrook, McKinlay, Palm Island, Richmond and Townsville all being supported with their counter disaster operations to cover the costs associated with preparing for and responding to the immediate impacts of the cyclone.

McKinlay and Richmond Councils will also receive funding for the reconstruction of essential public assets like roads and bridges.

All assistance is jointly provided by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The Queensland Reconstruction Authority will continue monitoring local recovery efforts and stands ready to activate further DRFA support where required.

More information on personal disaster assistance can be found at www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp or www.disasterassist.gov.au.

People requiring immediate assistance can contact the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.