Disaster assistance extended in Far North Queensland

With the effects of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper being felt across large areas of Far North Queensland, Personal Hardship Assistance is now available in nine local government area (LGA).

Impacted residents in the Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council are the latest Queenslanders to have access to payments through the jointly funded Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Personal Hardship Assistance is currently activated for the Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook (select localities), Douglas, Hope Vale, Mareeba, Tablelands, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah LGAs.

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

The Personal Hardship Assistance Scheme also offers a number of other disaster assistance measures, including funds to replace damaged household goods, and Structural Assistance Grants up to $50,000 for uninsured, income-tested owner-occupiers to repair their home.

Additionally, the Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme is available to eligible homeowners needing to reconnect electricity, gas, water or sewerage.

People requiring Personal Hardship Assistance can contact the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payments up to $1,000 are also available to eligible Queenslanders through www.servicesaustralia.gov.au.

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

In total ten Far North councils are activated for DRFA support in response to Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper, including funding for counter disaster operations and the reconstruction of essential public assets: Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook, Douglas, Hinchinbrook, Hope Vale, Mareeba, Tablelands, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah.