The recent storms have hit many residents hard, with some areas feeling the impact of winds of up to 150km or more, knocking out power to more than 200,000 customers across the greater SEQ and causing other damage (with over 1.5 million lightning strikes recorded).
The State and Federal Government has jointly funded disaster recovery grants based upon Council’s application lodged last Friday afternoon, nominating the impacted areas.
The Personal Hardship Assistance is to help eligible impacted residents in declared suburbs to help them get back on their feet. The main Personal Hardship Assistance Grant is $180 Emergency Hardship Assistance (up to $900 for a family of five or more) to assist those with immediate needs, this includes hardship as a result of loss of power requiring people to dispose of spoilt food or medicines. However, if you lost essential services (power, water, etc) for more than 5 consecutive days you may be eligible for an additional Essential Services Hardship Assistance payment of $150 per person (up to $750 for a family of five or more) to assist with immediate needs.
To see the list of activated suburbs on the Sunshine CLICK HERE
Applications for grants can be made at www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp.
The State’s 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.
