More Storm-Affected SEQ Communities Granted Access to Hardship Support

Personal Hardship Assistance has been extended to additional areas across south-east Queensland as communities continue to recover from recent severe storms.

Residents in parts of the Somerset, Gympie and Sunshine Coast council areas are now eligible for support under the joint Commonwealth-Queensland Government Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). The assistance helps cover the cost of replacing essential items such as food and medication, as well as reconnecting vital services.

Newly activated locations within the Somerset and Gympie regions have been added following further assessments of storm damage. Additional Sunshine Coast localities have also been approved for hardship assistance through the DRFA.

Eligible residents can apply for grants of $180 per individual or up to $900 for families of five or more to help meet urgent recovery needs.

Activated localities include:

• Gympie: Coondoo, Goomborian, Imbil, Kandanga, Traveston, Wolvi
• Somerset: Borallon, Hazeldean, Sandy Creek, Wanora
• Sunshine Coast: Buderim, Cooloolabin, Crohamhurst, Kuluin, Meridan Plains, North Arm, Pelican Waters

Gympie Regional Council has also been granted DRFA support to assist with repairing essential public infrastructure and funding counter-disaster operations.

With the latest activation, Personal Hardship Assistance linked to November's destructive storms now covers seven local government areas across the region, and nine councils are receiving DRFA support.

Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said the Albanese Government remains committed to helping affected communities recover.

"We know how difficult severe weather events can be for those impacted, and the importance of getting life back to normal as soon as possible," Minister McBain said.
"We will continue working with the Crisafulli Government to extend the DRFA where necessary so communities in south-east Queensland receive the support they need."

Queensland Disaster Recovery Minister Ann Leahy said assessments are ongoing.

"We are working with councils across the south-east to identify communities and residents in need of recovery support," Minister Leahy said.
"It's essential that those hardest hit by the recent hailstorms have access to the assistance they need to get back on their feet."

Information on eligible areas, grants and application processes is available at www.disaster.qld.gov.au.