Flood hardship assistance for Bundaberg, Douglas and Banana

Flood impacted residents in targeted parts of Bundaberg and Douglas, and the shire of Banana can now access disaster assistance of $180 for individuals and up to $900 for a family of five or more.

These emergency payments will help eligible residents cover the costs of essentials like food, clothing and medicine.

Activated areas include Banana Shire, the Bundaberg localities of Bundaberg Central, Bundaberg East, Bundaberg North, and Bundaberg South, and Cape Tribulation, Cow Bay, Daintree, Daintree Village, Degarra, Diwan, Lower Daintree, Thornton Beach, and Upper Daintree in Douglas Shire.

A range of other hardship grants targeting vulnerable households are also available, including Structural Assistance Grants up to $80,000 to repair flood damaged homes to a safe and habitable condition.

Affected residents can visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au to check their eligibility and apply.

Grant information and other urgent disaster support can also be sought through the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

Personal Hardship Assistance is provided by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

A range of other DRFA support has also been activated for community groups and local governments battling this week's flooding.

Not-for-profits in Banana, Bundaberg and Douglas can access loans up to $100,000, available via www.qrida.qld.gov.au or by calling 1800 623 946.

The low-interest loans can be used to repair or replace damaged equipment, amenities and infrastructure, to replace stock, and to cover operational costs including wages, rent or rates.

The councils of Bundaberg, Cherbourg, Fraser Coast, Gympie, North Burnett and South Burnett can recoup the costs of their counter disaster operations, emergency road repairs, and the reconstruction of essential public assets.

This support extension will give these local governments the confidence they need to push ahead with urgent response and recovery work.

The Queensland Reconstruction Authority has officers on the ground throughout flooded communities across the state, working directly with councils to provide recovery and funding advice.

As floodwaters recede and more damage is revealed, QRA will continue activating the DRFA support needed to recover in full.