Disaster Assist
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In late April, Tropical Cyclone Monica crossed Cape York before moving northwest across the Gulf of Carpentaria and then crossing the coast of the Northern Territory. Tropical Cyclone Monica caused damage to Far North Queensland as a result of heavy rain and flooding. Significantly, this damage cut access to many parts of the Cape making it difficult to fully assess the damage. Tropical Cyclone Monica came relatively shortly after the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Larry and dealt a severe blow to parts of the Cape struggling to adjust to the residual effects of Tropical Cyclone Larry.
The Prime Minister has announced assistance for those affected by the cumulative effects of both Tropical Cyclones Monica and Larry in the Cape region of Far North Queensland. Recently the eligibility area for this assistance package was expanded to include the entire Cape York region. The eligibility area for the assistance package now runs from the Southern boundary of the Cook Shire Council extending north to include the entire Cape York region and any affected islands.
For more information on these services and payments please read below.
In addition to the long-standing assistance measures we have in place with state and territory governments for natural disaster recovery efforts, the Australian Government has decided to extend an additional assistance package to businesses, including farmers, in those areas impacted by the cumulative effects of Tropical Cyclones Larry and Monica. This package will assist severely affected businesses and farmers in the Cape region of Far North Queensland, who have not previously received assistance, to overcome the impact of both cyclones.
One-off business assistance grants of $10,000 will be made available for those businesses in the affected area, with those that can demonstrate severe damage qualifying for $25,000. This will help businesses with immediate restocking, repair and clean-up activities. These grants will be tax free.
To claim this assistance you will need to complete the Cyclones Monica and Larry - Business Assistance Fund Claim Form.
For information regarding the one-off business assistance grants please contact the Tropical Cyclone Relief hotline on 180 2002 or apply through your local Centrelink Office.
Farmers and businesses will also have access to concessional loans to re-establish their enterprises. Loans of up to $200,000 under the Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements will be available for nine years with principal and interest repayments deferred for up to two years. The loans will also include a grant of 25 per cent of the value of the loan.
For information regarding the Concessional interest rate loans please contact the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority (QRAA) on 1800 623 946.
For affected farmers and small businesses, the Australian Government will provide a one-off income support programme equivalent to the Newstart Allowance for six months. There will be no asset test in relation to the capital value of farms or business assets.
To claim this assistance you will need to complete the Cyclones Monica and Larry - Claims for Farmers and Small Business Income Support Payment Form.
For information regarding the one-off income support programme please contact the Tropical Cyclone Relief hotline on 180 2002 between the hours of 8am and 5pm (EST) Monday to Friday, or apply through your local Centrelink Office.
| 26/05/2006 | Assistance Measures for those affected by both Tropical Cyclones Monica and Larry | Prime Minister of Australia |