Anthony Albanese Announces $8 Million Flood Relief Fund for North Queensland

Anthony Albanese Announces $8 Million Flood Relief Fund for North Queensland – Australia | Albanese and Crisafulli governments announce $8m Community Relief Fund for local flood-impacted councils The Fund will assist in carrying out immediate and vital recovery activities to areas hardest hit by natural disasters.

Which areas are eligible for this assistance?

Each local government area (LGA) will receive a maximum of $1 million in assistance under the scheme. The following councils are included in this relief package: >

Burdekin
Cassowary Coast
Charters Towers
Hinchinbrook
Palm Island
Townsville
Whitsundays
Yarrabah

How will the assistance be provided?

The financial assistance is being provided under Category C of the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement (DRFA). The assistance will allow councils to accelerate the process of removing litter, cleaning properties and community spaces, making parks and playgrounds safe and rebuilding. >

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Assistance already provided

Before this relief fund, the Australian Government was providing assistance under various schemes, including: >

Personal Hardship Assistance Scheme

Emergency Hardship Assistance Grant: Up to $180 for each individual and $900 for a family of five or more.
Essential Services Hardship Assistance: Up to $150 for each individual and $750 for a family of five or more.
Household Essentials Grant: Up to $1,765 for individuals and up to $5,300 for families.
Structural Assistance Grant: Up to $80,000, aimed at helping uninsured homeowners repair or rebuild damaged homes.

Essential Services Protection and Restoration Scheme

Up to $5,000 for assistance in reconnecting services such as electricity, gas, water or sewerage.

Support loans for primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profit organisations

Loans of up to $250,000 for eligible primary producers and small businesses.
Loans of up to $100,000 for not-for-profit organisations.
Working capital loans of up to $100,000 to help businesses cover wages, rent, and other operating costs.

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Affected areas

This support has been applied to the following areas in North Queensland (NQ):

Burdekin, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Townsville, Yarrabah.

Government response

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:
- “In these difficult times we see the unity of Australians. We will ensure the sector receives the full support it needs to get back on its feet.”
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said:
- “We are committed to providing all affected communities with the support they need. We will not stop until all the rebuilding work is complete.”
Minister for Disaster Management Jenny McAllister said:
- “The floods have left a huge amount of debris and dirt, which can pose a risk to the health of communities. This financial assistance will help councils deal with these challenges.”

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Conclusion

A worldwide climate crisis may be on the way, but locals and travellers in Queensland are about to get a helping hand from an innovative government support plan that will help disaster-struck New South Wales communities rebuild. This relief money is crucial to regional growth and disaster recovery, it will enable people in those areas get back on their feet as soon as possible. >

FAQs On Anthony Albanese Announces $8 Million Flood Relief Fund for North Queensland

Q. Who will get this relief assistance?

A. Under this relief package, assistance will be given to 8 local governments (LGA) of North Queensland.

Q. What will be done with this fund?

A. This amount will be used for garbage removal, cleaning of community centers and parks, making public places safe, and reconstruction activities.

Q. What is included in the individual assistance schemes?

A. Schemes include emergency assistance grants, grants for household essentials, structural support grants and grants to reconnect essential services.