South-east Queensland Storms - November 2008

The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment has been activated to assist those who have been adversely affected from the storms generated from the severe line of thunderstorms that began on 16 November 2008 and affected the south-east corner of Queensland.

In the evening of 19 November and early morning of 20 November 2008, additional thunderstorms occurred in the region causing further damage. The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment has been extended to cover those affected by these further thunderstorms.   

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 20 May 2009.

The assistance covers people who have been seriously injured or whose principal place of residence has been destroyed or significantly damaged. Significant damage includes where the:

  • principal place of residence has been declared structurally unsound.
  • exterior of the principal place of residence has been breached resulting in damage to at least one-quarter of the residence.
  • interior of the principal place of residence has been affected by storm water or associated storm damage to at least one-quarter of the residence.
  • interior of the principal place of residence has experienced sewerage contamination.

People eligible for assistance from the storms on 16 November 2008 will not be eligible to claim the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment again. People who were found ineligible at the time, who have now sustained sufficient damage, can re-test their eligibility.

For more information on eligibility or if you have any queries, please visit the Centrelink website or contact the Australian Government South-east Queensland Storms Disaster Recovery Payment Hotline on 180 2266.

Media Release

Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment – Prime Minister’s Media Release

Assistance for residents affected by severe storms – Joint Media Release between the Hon. Jenny Macklin, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and the Hon. Joe Ludwig, Minister for Human Services

Additional Assistance

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

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