Disaster assistance will be extended to victims of the Queensland flooding crisis, including residents of Kangaroo Point and the rest of Brisbane. Affected locals may get more than $1,000 as compensation for losses because of the disaster.
AGDRP for Families, DRA for Businesses
Brisbane and 16 other local governments in Queensland have been covered under the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Allowance (AGDRP), where the adults will be entitled to $1,000 and $400 for children. This is a one-off payment for residents who “have suffered a significant loss, including a severely damaged or destroyed home or serious injury.”
Small businesses, employees, and farmers may also claim for payment Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA), covering “a maximum of 13 weeks payment from the date you have or will have a loss of income as a direct result of a disaster.” The DRA is taxable and is set at a rate equivalent to Jobseeker Payment or Youth Allowance. Thus, those already receiving other forms of income support from the government are not eligible for DRA.
Effective 1 March 2022, applications for AGDRP or DRA will open online through Services Australia or locals may also phone 180 22 66 for further assistance. Couples may claim for the payment but will need to apply separately.
Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA)
Councils, on the other hand, will receive additional assistance through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). The DRFA will be activated by Queensland Government, per Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
“This extension of DRFA assistance to those seven local government authorities will help with their response, clean-up and then reconstruction efforts once floodwaters recede and impact assessments can be undertaken,” Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said.
“We have seen some devastating scenes across South East Queensland but these affected communities can be assured the Australian and Queensland Governments will work together as we identify what additional assistance will be needed.”
To learn more about the DRFA, visit the official site.
Download Self Recovery App
Residents are encouraged to download the Self Recovery App for additional information on grant applications, including Emergency Hardship Assistance. The Self Recovery App is an online portal that also provides referrals for community organisations and other government agencies.
Locals who have poor internet access, on the other hand, may phone Community Recovery Hotline of 1800 173 349 for other resources or 13QGOV (13 74 68) for housing assistance.
