Queensland flood assistance reaches $1.2 million
Federal Government assistance for those affected by the Queensland floods has passed $1.2 million in Australian Government Disaster Relief Payments (AGDRP).
The Minister for Human Services, Chris Bowen, said recovery efforts in the flood affected region of southern Queensland will continue this weekend and for as long as needed.
“I saw for myself first hand just how badly these floods have devastated these regions when I visited the area earlier this week, accompanied by Cabinet Secretary and Senator for Queensland, Joe Ludwig, and the Member for Maranoa, Hon. Bruce Scott,” Mr Bowen said.
“Centrelink staff are working in Charleville, Roma, St George and surrounding smaller towns helping those who have been displaced by the record floods. Their dedication has been outstanding as they work with local officials to ensure support reaches those in need.
“In the last few days, Centrelink staff have been flown into the isolated towns of Bollon, Dirranbandi and Meandarra to reach those stranded by the swollen Balonne River.
“Staff are also working at co-ordination centres in Charleville, Roma and St George taking AGDRP claims and social workers continue to offer help to the many residents forced from their homes.
“Many people are still suffering and even though the peak of the floods has passed it is vital the Federal Government support continues.
“Social workers are dealing with people who have been displaced or without power for days or have been unable to access their homes to assess damage because of high water levels still surrounding properties.”
The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, said those who are eligible for the AGDRP will receive a one-off payment of $1000 for adults and $400 for each child to help them recover.
“This payment will go some way to helping people get back on their feet as they get on with the job of rebuilding their lives and cleaning up,” Ms Macklin said.
The Australian Government has activated the AGDRP in Murweh, Maranoa, Balonne, Quilpie and Western Downs council areas in south-west Queensland.
This payment provides financial assistance to eligible people who were seriously injured, or whose principal place of residence was destroyed or significantly damaged or who were unable to return home, or were isolated by the floodwaters for 24 hours or more, or who experienced a utility failure for 48 hours or more.
The Australian Government is continuing to monitor regions in northern NSW in preparation for the possible impact of flood waters from Queensland.
People can claim the payment during the next six months.
You can claim by visiting any Centrelink site or Co-ordination Centre, by calling 180 2122 or online at Centrelink (www.centrelink.gov.au).
This payment is over and above the support being provided by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA), which is providing financial and practical assistance to people affected by this flooding.
Individuals requiring assistance through the NDRRA should contact the Queensland Department of Communities’ Disaster Relief Assistance Scheme hotline on 1800 173 349.