Assistance is being made available for five more disaster-affected communities in Queensland following the devastation of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald.
Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer Wayne Swan and Queensland Minister for Police and Community Safety Jack Dempsey announced today that additional assistance would be made available to the local government areas of Fraser Coast, Gympie, Moreton Bay, North Burnett, and Sunshine Coast under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).
"This severe weather is heavily impacting communities," Mr Swan said.
"The Commonwealth and Queensland Governments are working hand-in-hand to make sure local communities get the support they need.
"The Gillard Government has placed the Australian Defence Force on stand-by so it can provide support to Queensland as needed."
"There are now thirty four councils eligible for assistance across Queensland," Mr Dempsey said.
"NDRRA assistance will be extended to other communities if they are impacted."
The assistance now available in these five additional areas includes personal hardship and distress payments for food, clothing, accommodation and medical supplies of $180 for individuals and $900 for couples/families. The scheme also includes essential household contents grants and structural assistance grants. These payments are income and asset tested.
In addition, the Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme includes maximum grants of $5,000 per household comprising of safety inspections for reconnection of essential services and replacement/repair of electrical, gas, water and sewerage equipment.
To date, the Personal Hardship Assistance Scheme, has been activated in the councils of Banana, Bundaberg, Fraser Coast, Gladstone, Gympie, Moreton Bay, North Burnett, Rockhampton and the Sunshine Coast.
Counter Disaster Operations have been activated in the 25 LGAs of: Aurukun, Banana, Bundaberg, Burdekin, Burke, Cairns, Carpentaria, Cassowary Coast, Central Highlands, Cook, Gladstone, Hinchinbrook, Isaac, Kowanyama, Lockhart River, Mackay, Mapoon, Napranum, Palm Island, Pormpuraaw, Rockhampton, Tablelands, Torres Shire, Torres Strait Island and Whitsunday.
Restoration of Essential Public Assets measures are available in the 19 LGAs of: Aurukun, Burdekin, Burke, Carpentaria, Central Highlands, Cook, Doomadgee, Gladstone, Hinchinbrook, Hope Vale, Kowanyama, Lockhart River, Mapoon, Mornington, Napranum, Palm Island, Rockhampton, Torres Strait Island and Wujal Wujal.
More information about the assistance that available in each affected local government area can be found at www.disasterassist.gov.au.