North and Far North Tropical Low from January 2025
Disaster recovery support
Heavy rainfall and flooding is affecting communities in North and Far North Queensland. Various Government departments have released assistance packages which are now available for residents in affected areas. These include financial aid, housing support, and emotional assistance. Below is a summary of available resources and how to access them.
Business disaster assistance
Natural disaster payments and financial help
Both the Queensland and Australian Governments are offering financial assistance to businesses, primary producers, and individuals affected by natural disasters. Support includes grants, low-interest loans, disaster recovery payments, and tax and superannuation relief. Click here for more information.
Employment entitlements during natural disasters and emergencies
The Fair Work Ombudsman’s fact sheet on employment entitlements during natural disasters and emergencies outlines options for employees unable to attend work due to such events. Depending on individual circumstances, employees may access entitlements under their award or agreement or consider alternatives like taking leave or engaging in community service activities. Click here for more information.
Agribusiness Impact survey
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) in Queensland is conducting a Disaster Impact Survey to assess the effects of recent events. If you would like to participate in this survey, please click here.
Disaster impact survey
The Queensland Government is conducting disaster impact surveys to assess how natural disasters affect businesses, primary producers, and communities. This information helps inform recovery efforts and support measures, ensuring assistance is directed where it’s needed most. If you would like to participate in this survey, please click here.
Sport and Recreation Disaster Recovery Program (SRDRP)
The Sport and Recreation Disaster Recovery Program offers grants of up to $5,000 to eligible not-for-profit organisations in disaster-affected areas to help restore facilities and activities. Funding is available for organisations in activated local government areas under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. Click here for more information.
Employee disaster support
Under the Fair Work Act, employers can stand down employees without pay if severe weather or natural disasters, like floods or bushfires, stop them from working. However, employees may be entitled to pay if their award, agreement, or contract includes stand-down provisions. Click here for more information.
Personal hardship financial assistance
Eligible residents in the hardest-hit areas can apply for financial assistance to help with immediate needs. Support is currently available for those in the following Local Government Areas (LGA):
- Cairns LGA – defined localities
- Townsville LGA – defined localities
- Burdekin LGA – defined localities
- Cassowary Coast LGA – defined localities
- Hinchinbrook LGA – entire region
- Palm Island LGA – entire region
Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment
The Australian Government is providing a Disaster Recovery Payment to individuals affected by the North Queensland floods of January-February 2025, offering $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per child under 16. This lump sum payment is non-taxable and can be received in two installments. Click here to check your eligibility.
Emergency hardship assistance
The Emergency Hardship Assistance grant supports essential needs like food, medication, clothing, and temporary accommodation. Eligible residents in affected areas may receive $180 per individual or up to $900 per family (5+). Click here to check your eligibility.
Essential services hardship assistance
The Essential Services Hardship Assistance grant helps with power, gas, water, and sewage costs. Eligible residents in affected areas who have lost essential services for over five days may receive $150 per individual or up to $750 per family (5+). Click here to check your eligibility.
Essentials Household Contents Grant
The Essential Household Contents Grant helps replace lost essentials like bed linen and white goods. Eligible residents may receive $1,765 per individual or up to $5,300 for couples or families. Click here to check your eligibility.
Essential Services and Safety Reconnection
The Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Grant helps with safety inspections and repairs for essential services like gas, water, electricity, and sewage. Eligible homeowners may receive $200 for inspections and up to $4,200 for repairs. Click here to check your eligibility.
Structural Assistance Grant
The Structural Assistance Grant supports uninsured homeowners with repairs or contributions toward rebuilding unsafe homes. Eligible residents may receive up to $80,000 to make their home safe and habitable. Click here to check your eligibility.
NAB offers Disaster Relief Grants
NAB is offering $1,000 Disaster Relief Grants to eligible customers in Northern Queensland affected by recent flooding and damaging winds. Additional support includes loan deferrals, reduced repayment arrangements, and hardship assistance. Click here for more information.
Support and other assistance
If you are experiencing emotional distress due to the severe weather, help is available. Speak confidentially with a qualified disaster counsellor via the Community Recovery Lifeline Hotline at 1800 116 671. This service is available 24/7. For more information, email disastergrants@desbt.qld.gov.au or contact the Small Business Hotline at 1800 173 349.
Services Australia Support
If you’re affected by the North Queensland floods that began on 29 January 2025, Services Australia social workers can provide short-term counselling, information, and referrals to support services. Services Australia also offer short-term allowances to help during this time. Click here to learn more.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, our Carey Group team is here to help—call us at 07 4760 5900.
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