Grants closing soon for North Queenslanders impacted by TC Kirrily and associated rainfall and flooding

Posted: Wednesday 21 February 2024

North Queenslanders affected by Tropical Cyclone Kirrily and subsequent flooding events are encouraged to apply for personal hardship assistance ahead of grants closing from 23 February.

Two non-income tested grants are available to support people in the Burdekin, Townsville, Charters Towers (targeted localities) and Hinchinbrook local government areas who have suffered hardship or are unable to meet their immediate needs due to the disaster:

• Emergency Hardship Assistance – $180 per person, up to $900 for a family of five or more, to support immediate essential needs, such as food, clothing or medical supplies.
• Essential Services Hardship Assistance – $150 per person, up to $750 for a family of five or more, to assist with immediate needs following the loss of essential services at home for more than five consecutive days.

This financial support is provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Already over $15.1 million in grant payments have been made to nearly 84,000 people affected by Tropical Cyclone Kirrily (as of 14 February 2024).

Eligible residents in Burdekin and Townsville have until 11.59pm on Friday 23 February 2024 to apply for non-income tested grants.

The closing date for Charters Towers and Hinchinbrook residents is 11.59pm on Tuesday 27 February 2024.

Households can also get financial help to reconnect damaged services, with applications open until January 2026:

• Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme grant (income tested) – up to $5,000 per household to help uninsured residents reconnect damaged services like electricity, gas and water.

Residents can check their eligibility for grants and apply online at www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp.

The Community Recovery Hotline (1800 173 349) is also open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for people to get information, support and assistance with grant applications.

People can access face-to-face emotional support, assistance with grant applications and referrals to other organisations at Community Recovery Hubs in their local area. For locations and opening hours, visit www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp.

Impacted residents can also access emotional support or someone to talk to by calling Lifeline on 1800 116 671 from 8am to 8pm daily. After hours support is available by phoning the Lifeline Crisis Support Line on 13 11 14.

Information about disaster support and recovery for culturally and linguistically diverse people is available in a range of languages at www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies/disasters/resources-translations/disaster-information-language.

Tropical Cyclone Kirrily: Eligible Local Government Areas (LGAs)

Financial assistance is available for people who were affected by this event in these areas:

• Burdekin Shire Local Government Area – all areas
• Charters Towers Regional Local Government Area – targeted localities in:
  • Hervey Range
• Hinchinbrook Shire Local Government Area – all areas
• Townsville City Local Government Area – all areas

[ENDS]Media contact: media@dsdsatsip.qld.gov.au