Media Release by The Hon Jenny Macklin MP

Help for people affected by south-west Queensland floods

The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) will be provided to eligible people adversely affected by severe flooding in the Murweh and Maranoa regional council areas in south-west Queensland.

Hundreds of households in the Murweh and Maranoa regional council areas have been affected by the flooding that began on 2 March 2010.

Those who are eligible will receive a one-off payment of $1,000 for adults and $400 for each child to help them recover.

This payment will provide financial assistance to eligible people who were seriously injured, 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 flooding in south-west Queensland has caused considerable disruption, including the evacuation of many people from their homes because of rising floodwaters.

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.

This payment is over and above the support being provided by the Australian Government under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA), which is providing financial and practical assistance to people affected by this flooding.

The Attorney General, Robert McClelland, has announced that the Australian Government would provide financial assistance to Local Government Areas affected by flooding in Queensland under the NDRRA.

In addition, residents in Murweh and Maranoa regional council areas who have been impacted by the most recent flooding may be eligible for additional personal hardship and distress assistance. This additional assistance is provided under the NDRRA, in cooperation with the Queensland Government:

  • Emergency Assistance Payments of $170 per person and up to $780 per family;
  • Essential Household Contents Grants of $1,660 per individual and up to $4,980 per couple or family; and
  • Essential Repairs to Housing Grants of up to $10,250 per individual and up to $13,800 per couple or family.

Individuals requiring assistance through the NDRRA should contact the Queensland Department of Communities’ Disaster Relief Assistance Scheme hotline on 1800 173 349.

Applications for the AGDRP open 5 March 2010.

People adversely affected by the flooding can call the Australian Government’s south-west Queensland floods hotline on 180 2122 or visit the local recovery centres from today to provide their details.

People can claim the payment during the next six months.