Almost $1.2 million has now been distributed by the Palaszczuk Government to residents across North and Far North Queensland who have been affected by devastating flooding, to help them cover the costs of essential items such as food, clothing and medication.
Communities Minister Coralee O’Rourke said Emergency Hardship Assistance grants were a key part of the Palaszczuk Government’s community recovery efforts in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.
“We are here to help people get back on their feet and communities to recover, and we’re here for the long-term,” Mrs O’Rourke said.
“Our community recovery effort will continue to expand to meet the needs of these communities.
“We are working with other agencies and our non-government partners to make sure people get the assistance they need as quickly as possible.
“I am so proud of the positivity and community spirit shown by people in North and Far North Queensland during such a challenging and traumatic time for them.”
Emergency Hardship Assistance provides up to $180 per person, to a maximum of $900 for a family of five or more.
Other grants such the Essential Household Contents Grant. Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Grant and Structural Assistance Grant, which are income tested, are also available to eligible residents in these areas who are uninsured and have experienced certain loss or damage following this disaster.
The grants are available through the jointly-funded Commonwealth/State Disaster Relief Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Mrs O’Rourke said a community recovery hub had now opened in Townsville where local residents could go to talk to community recovery workers, receive assistance to apply for grants and receive referrals for support services.
“This is the first of the community recovery hubs we expect to open in coming days, once floodwaters recede and we can access affected communities,” she said.
“We also have more than 480 staff supporting this recovery effort, in addition to representatives from a number of non-government partner agencies, and more staff will continue to travel to affected areas to support our response.
The Townsville Community Recovery Hub is located on the Ground Floor, State Government Building, 187 – 209 Stanley Street (corner of Stanley and Walker), Townsville and will open 9 am to 5pm daily, seven days a week.
People who are experiencing personal hardship due to flooding can download and use the Self-recovery app, go to or contact the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 to apply for grants or access support services.
