Financial assistance from the Australian Government is now available to eligible Noosa residents who have suffered loss from the ongoing bushfires, in an announcement welcomed by Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O'Brien.
Mr O'Brien said individuals in fire affected parts of the Noosa local government area will be able to apply for $1,000 for eligible adults and $400 for children through the activation of the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP).
"The Australian Government has acted swiftly to ensure the people of Noosa and other bushfire-affected communities can access the help they need to get back on their feet," Mr O'Brien said.
"People whose home has been lost or directly damaged, or who have been seriously injured will be able to access the AGDRP, which is a non-means tested, one-off payment of $1000 for adults and $400 for children."
The Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) has also been activated for people who have lost their income as a direct result of the fires, with income assistance for up to 13 weeks, equivalent to the maximum rate of Newstart Allowance or Youth Allowance.
"These bushfires have destroyed property and interrupted daily life for many people, and we know it will take some time for peoples' lives to return to normal," Mr O'Brien said.
"While the bushfire risk is still present in our Wide Bay communities, I urge all residents to take care and look out for each other, and heed all emergency warnings."
Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the AGDRP and DRP payments will be available from 13 November 2019.
"The extension of the AGDRP and DRA is over and above the support already being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements," Minister Littleproud said.
"I encourage anyone who has been adversely affected by the bushfires to call the Department of Human Services and enquire about their eligibility for assistance."
Equivalent financial assistance will also be available to eligible New Zealand citizens ('non-protected' Special Category Visa, subclass 444 holders) affected by the bushfires.
For more information or to make a claim visit www.humanservices.gov.au/disaster or call 180 22 66.
More information on Australian Government disaster assistance is available at www.disasterassist.gov.au.
FACTSHEETS:
DRFA Factsheet
Australian Government Disaster Recovery Allowance Factsheet
Disaster Recovery Allowance Factsheet
