ELIGIBLE residents in 15 Brisbane suburbs can now apply for targeted hardship assistance following last month’s destructive hailstorms.
This becomes available under new support measures announced by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments.
The income-tested grants, delivered through the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), are available to uninsured residents who suffered property damage during the storms and subsequent power outages.
Residents in Wynnum, Manly and nearby suburbs reported extensive damage, including fallen trees, smashed roofs and prolonged power outages.
Many say the prospect of missing out on disaster funding has added another layer of stress to an already difficult recovery.
Suburbs activated for assistance include Gumdale, Lota, Manly, Manly West, Ransome, Wakerley, Wynnum and Wynnum West.
The support package includes Structural Assistance Grants of up to $80,000 for eligible uninsured, income-tested owner-occupiers to repair or replace a damaged dwelling and return it to a safe and habitable condition.
Essential Household Contents Grants are also available, offering income-tested assistance of up to $1765 for individuals and up to $5300 for couples or families to replace critical household items such as whitegoods.
In addition, the Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme provides up to $5000 per household for uninsured homeowners needing to safely reconnect electricity, gas, water or sewerage.
Federal Member for Bonner Kara Cook said more people than ever before were feeling the effects of severe weather, and it was important that appropriate support was available.
“November’s storms are a clear example that disaster events are increasing in both strength and frequency, but we’re determined to match that intensity with our response and recovery,” Ms Cook said.
“Our community was amongst the hardest hit by the recent hailstorm.”
She has spoken with many Bonner families whose property and cars were hit by hail the size of golf and tennis balls.
“The hailstorm hardship assistance payments will be a helping hand for uninsured local families who were impacted and who need to undertake repairs and reconnection work,” she said.
“I encourage Bonner locals to share this program with our community and reach out to my office if we can assist.
“We will continue to extend DRFA assistance where it’s needed to ensure our community impacted by recent hailstorms receive the help they need.
“We know the importance of getting people through the tough times and we’ll continue to work with all levels of government to make sure local recovery needs are met.”
Full eligibility criteria and application details are available at disaster.qld.gov.au, or call 1800 173 349.
