Disaster support measures activated for Tropical Cyclone Jasper
In the immediate aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Jasper, the Queensland Reconstruction Authority has swiftly activated jointly-funded disaster assistance under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to support affected individuals and councils.
Announced by Deputy Premier Steven Miles and Federal Minister for Emergency Management Senator Murray Watt in Cairns less than a day after TC Jasper crossed the Queensland coast, the DRFA assistance will cover the costs of response operations and repairs for the local councils Cairns, Cook, Douglas, Hopevale, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah.
In addition, people living in Douglas and Wujal Wujal who have been directly impacted by TC Jasper can also apply for assistance grants to purchase essential items and reconnect damaged household services.
These Personal Hardship Assistance grants provide up to $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.
The Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme is also available to help homeowners in those areas to help reconnect electricity, gas, water or sewerage.
While the full extent of damage is being assessed, the activation of immediate disaster assistance will enable local councils to manage their response and urgent recovery needs for their communities.
Further information on disaster assistance can be found at www.disasterassist.gov.au or www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp.
People requiring immediate assistance can contact the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.