The Australian government has announced financial assistance for residents affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed multiple relief payments, including income support and one-off grants.
Disaster Recovery Allowance for Workers and Sole Traders
Workers and sole traders in disaster-affected areas can claim the Disaster Recovery Allowance for up to 13 weeks. This payment provides financial support to those who have lost income due to the cyclone.
Eligible recipients must be 16 years or older and can receive payments at the JobSeeker or Youth Allowance rate. The assistance applies to employees, small business owners, and farmers whose earnings have been impacted.
One-Off $1,000 Centrelink Payment
The federal government will provide a one-time payment of $1,000 per adult and $400 per child for those severely affected. Eligible residents include those who:
- Suffered serious injuries
- Lost an immediate family member
- Experienced significant home damage
Applications open at 2pm AEDT on Tuesday, 11 March through myGov and Services Australia.
Queensland State Government Grants
The Queensland government has introduced financial aid through the Personal Hardship Assistance Scheme for residents in Logan, Gold Coast City, and Redlands City. The available grants include:
- Emergency Hardship Assistance Grant: $180 per individual, up to $900 for families of five or more
- Essential Services Hardship Assistance Grant: $150 per individual, up to $750 for families of five or more
- Essential Household Contents Grant
- Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme
- Structural Assistance Grant
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli will announce additional support with the federal government.
Banking Sector Provides Relief Measures
NAB has introduced $1,000 disaster relief grants for affected customers. NAB Group Executive Sharon Cook said, “For someone who needs emergency accommodation or supplies, this can be a valuable lifeline to help get them back on their feet.”
To qualify, customers must:
- Own a property or business in a disaster-affected area
- Require repairs due to damage
- Be unable to reside in their home due to safety risks
Other major banks, including Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, and ANZ, have announced support measures such as payment deferrals and waived fees.
How to Apply for Assistance
Residents can check eligibility and apply for federal relief payments via myGov and Services Australia. Queensland state grants can be accessed through relevant local government websites.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as floodwaters persist across impacted regions.
