As floodwaters subside in the region Member for Blair Shayne Neumann has urged residents affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred to apply for the Albanese Government’s Disaster Recovery Allowance.
This allowance offers up to 13 weeks of income support for eligible workers and sole traders depending on their personal circumstances who have suffered a loss of income as a direct result of the event.
It will be available in 14 Local Government areas in Queensland: Ipswich, Somerset, Brisbane, Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim, Fraser Coast, Gold Coast, Gympie, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, Redland, Southern Downs and Sunshine Coast;
The allowance is available to individuals who live or work in these declared areas and have lost some or all of their income due to the disaster.
To be eligible for the Disaster Recovery Allowance, a person’s income must have fallen below the average Australian weekly income as a result of the floods.
Applications for the Disaster Recovery Allowance open today. Residents and business owners can check their eligibility on the Services Australia website at: Natural disaster support (Services Australia).
The easiest way to claim is online through myGov.
If people need help to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.
Mr Neumann said he had been inspecting flood damage in areas around the Bremer River and was aware how challenging the past few days had been for residents and business owners.
“This has been a tough time for Ipswich residents, a really challenging few days for our community,” Mr Neumann said.
“I know that many individuals, families, and businesses in our community have been severely impacted by the recent extreme weather events caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and I want to assure the community that support is available to help businesses and individuals through this challenging period.
“I understand how distressing these events have been, and I want to assure the people of Blair that I will be fighting for the support our community needs through every step of this recovery process.
“The Government is focused on helping communities get back on their feet. We will provide up to 13 weeks of income support through the Disaster Recovery Allowance to people who have lost work.
“If you live in an impacted area and your employment has been affected, please visit the Services Australia website to check if you are eligible.”
