Redlands residents hit by Monday’s intense hailstorm can now access emergency financial support, with the city officially added to Queensland’s Personal Hardship Assistance scheme.
Redland was one of two additional south-east Queensland local government areas activated for assistance on Thursday, alongside the Sunshine Coast, following significant storm damage earlier in the week.
The support, jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), provides immediate help for residents who suffered hardship as a result of the wild weather.
Activated suburbs in the Redlands include Alexandra Hills, Birkdale, Capalaba, Cleveland, Ormiston, Sheldon, Thorneside and Wellington Point.
Eligible locals can apply for grants to buy essential items like food, clothing and medicine, replace spoiled goods, or cover urgent household repairs. Personal Hardship Assistance includes payments of $180 per person, up to $900 for a family of five or more.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the funding will be welcome relief for those recovering.
“The destruction from these storms was significant and it’s called for an equally strong response,” Minister McBain said.
“Long after severe weather has passed, we will be there for communities, and this expansion of hardship assistance in south-east Queensland highlights that commitment.”
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy encouraged anyone affected to check their eligibility.
“These grants are crucial to get those impacted over the hump, so I urge residents in these activated areas to visit www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp and check their eligibility,” Minister Leahy said.
“Our Community Recovery Hotline is also available 24/7 on 1800 173 349, with government staff ready to talk you through the grants available and the application process.”
The activation follows earlier assistance announcements for 61 suburbs across Moreton Bay, which bore the brunt of Monday’s hailstorm.
Redlands residents can apply for support at www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp or by calling the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.
Available grants include:
- Emergency Hardship Assistance: $180 per person (up to $900 per family) for essentials like food, clothing and medicine.
- Essential Services Hardship Assistance: $150 per person (up to $750 per family) after losing essential services for more than five days.
- Essential Household Contents Grants: Income-tested support up to $1,765 (individuals) or $5,300 (families) for uninsured essential household items.
- Structural Assistance Grants: Up to $80,000 for income-tested, uninsured owner-occupiers to repair or replace disaster-damaged homes.
- Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme: Up to $5,000 per household for uninsured residents to reconnect electricity, gas, water or sewerage.
