January 29, 2013

The State Government has made Emergency Assistance Grants available for residents living in 21 shires affected by flooding caused by ex-tropical cyclone Oswald.

These shires include the South Burnett, Gympie and Toowoomba regional council areas.

There are several types of assistance available:

  • Emergency Financial Assistance Grants of between $180 and $900 to cover temporary accommodation, food, essential clothing and medication for people experiencing hardship as a result of the disaster
  • Accommodation Assistance for people whose home has been damaged or who’ve been displaced from their home (various forms of assistance are available)
  • Emotional Support and Counselling services

Information about the different forms of assistance available and how to apply for them can be found on the State Government’s website.

* * *
Federal Member for Flynn Ken O’Dowd advised this afternoon that the Federal Government has activated assistance under the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payments (AGDRP) for some residents in Flynn electorate.

Applicants must reside in the Gympie, Fraser Coast or Gladstone local government areas.

Mr O’Dowd said he is currently exploring avenues that would allow adversely affected areas within the South Burnett, North Burnett, Bundaberg, Rockhampton and Banana regions also to be included.

AGDRP assistance provides grants of:

  • $1000 (eligible adults); and
  • $400 (eligible children under the age of 16).

Claims can be made by phoning 180-22-66 from 8:00am to 5:00pm local time, seven days per week, or lodged online with the Department of Human Services.

Further information is available on the Department of Human Services website; the Disaster Assist website; or by contacting Mr O’Dowd’s office on (07) 4972-5465.

Assistance under the AGDRP is in addition to assistance provided by the State Government.

[UPDATED with correction: January 30, 2013]

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