Queensland Floods mid-January 2008

Given the extensive damage caused by the storms and associated flood waters in Queensland in mid-January 2008, the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment has been activated to assist those who have been adversely affected as a direct result of the storms and associated flooding that began on 13 January 2008 in the Mackay and Whitsunday region and continued on to affect other areas of Queensland.

Assistance

Australian Government assistance is available to people who have been seriously injured or whose principal place of residence has been destroyed or significantly damaged as a direct result of the storms and associated flooding in Queensland. The assistance covers damage to the principal place of residence including situations where:

  • the majority of the interior floor of the residence has been submerged beneath flood waters
  • sewerage failure has resulted in an overflow into the residence
  • the residence is structurally unsound or
  • the exterior shell of the residence has been damaged, exposing the interior to the elements.

This assistance will amount to $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child. Claims for this assistance can be lodged up until 23 July 2008.

For more information on eligibility or if you have any enquiries please visit the Centrelink website or contact the Australian Government Flood Assistance hotline on 180 2333.

Other Assistance

Under the standard Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA), assistance is being provided for personal hardship and distress payments and public infrastructure restoration. The Australian Government has also approved further financial assistance to help small businesses and farmers through the enhanced NDRRA.

For further information on other assistance available such as personal hardship, contact the Smart Service Queensland hotline on 1800 440 074.