Disaster Assistance for flooded Wide Bay Burnett Communities available now

Monday 10 January, The Honourable Mark Ryan announced a range of disaster assistance measures available in the Queensland local government areas of Bundaberg, Cherbourg, Fraser Coast, Gympie, North Burnett and South Burnett following the devastating heavy rainfall and flooding associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Seth from 7 – 10 January 2022. Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Personal Hardship Assistance 
Contact the Community Recovery Hotline 1800 173 349 or visit www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies.

Loans for primary producers and small businesses
Contact the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority on 1800 623 946 or visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au.

Freight subsidies
Visit www.daf.qld.gov.au or phone the DAF Customer Service Centre on 13 25 23.

Disaster Assistance
Contact the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au and the QRA’s website at www.qra.qld.gov.au.

Community Recovery and Personal Hardship Financial Assistance
Visit https://www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies  

Financial assistance
Visit the Community Recovery Portal or phone 1800 173 349 to apply for the following commonwealth/state jointly funded financial assistance grants:

• Emergency Hardship Assistance Grant
• Essential Household Contents Grant
• Structural Assistance Grant
• Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Grant

EMOTIONAL STRESS SUPPORT

Support for non-activated communities
If you are experiencing emotional stress or personal financial hardship due to this event, but your community has not been activated for financial assistance, please contact your local emergency relief provider or counselling service for support.

Rural Financial Counselling Service
Contact the Rural Financial Counselling Service if you need help dealing with financial hardship. They can refer you to relevant professional services such as accountants, agricultural advisers, education or counselling services. This service is for farmers, fishing or forestry businesses. Phone 1800 686 175 or visit

https://recovery.gov.au/programs/rural-financial-counselling-service

Lifeline
Contact Lifeline for support if you are experiencing a personal crisis or have suicidal thoughts. You can call them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from anywhere in Australia. Lifeline 24-hour crisis line 131 114 or visit lifeline.org.au 

WHAT CAN WE DO?

The Money Edge can assist you with your grant applications, provide supporting documents or guide you through the process. Phone the office if you wish to schedule an appointment.