Queensland/New South Wales Floods - May 2009

The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment has been activated to assist those who have been adversely affected by the storms and associated flooding that began on 20 May 2009, in South-east Queensland and the North Coast and Northern Rivers regions of New South Wales.

These regions were declared disasters zones, and experienced torrential rain, winds of up to 130km/h and large waves along the coast, causing significant damage. The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment has been activated, and is now available to cover those people who have been adversely affected by these conditions.

Assistance

The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment rate is $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per child. Claims for this assistance can be lodged at Centrelink until 25 November 2009.

This payment will be made available where:

  1. a person has been seriously injured
  2. a person is the immediate family member of an Australian killed
  3. a person’s principal place of residence has been destroyed
  4. a person’s principal place of residence has sustained major damage, or
  5. a person is the principal carer of a dependant child who is adversely affected.

For more information on eligibility or if you have any queries, please visit the Centrelink website or contact the Australian Government Qld/NSW Floods May 2009 Hotline on 180 2233.

Media Release

Joint Media Release between the Prime Minister, the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and the Attorney General:

Help for flood-affected people in South-east Queensland and Northern New South Wales

Additional Assistance

Under the standard Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA), assistance is being provided to those affected by the storm.

For people in New South Wales seeking further information on other assistance available such as personal hardship contact the Community Services State Disaster Recovery Centre 1800 018 444.

For people in Queensland seeking further information on other assistance available such as personal hardship contact the Smart Service Queensland Hotline on 1800 173 349.