Two More SEQ Councils Activated for Hardship Assistance After Hailstorms

Residents in the Redland and Sunshine Coast local government areas affected by Monday's hailstorms are now eligible for emergency financial assistance.

The support, delivered through the joint Commonwealth-Queensland Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), provides a range of grants to help households cover urgent needs such as food, clothing and medicine. Eligible residents can apply for Personal Hardship Assistance grants of $180 per person, or up to $900 for families of five or more.

The latest activation adds Redland and Sunshine Coast to the growing list of south-east Queensland communities receiving support this week. It follows the earlier approval of hardship assistance for 61 suburbs in Moreton Bay that were heavily damaged by the hail event.

Activated suburbs include:

Redland:
Alexandra Hills, Birkdale, Capalaba, Cleveland, Ormiston, Sheldon, Thorneside, Wellington Point.

Sunshine Coast:
Bald Knob, Belli Park, Beerwah, Caloundra, Caloundra West, Cambroon, Chevallum, Conondale, Coolum Beach, Doonan, Glasshouse, Kenilworth, Maleny, Marcoola, Maroochy River, Montville, Mount Coolum, Mudjimba, Ninderry, Pacific Paradise, Palmwoods, Peachester, Peregian, Peregian Springs, Reesville, Twin Waters, Warana, Yaroomba.

Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said the assistance would provide meaningful relief for storm-affected communities.

"The destruction from these storms was significant and it's called for an equally strong response," she said.
"Long after the severe weather has passed, we will be there for communities, and this expansion of hardship assistance highlights that commitment."

Queensland Disaster Recovery Minister Ann Leahy encouraged residents to check their eligibility and apply.

"These grants are crucial to help those impacted get over the hump," she said.
"I urge residents in these activated areas to visit www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp and check their eligibility. Our Community Recovery Hotline is available 24/7 on 1800 173 349, with staff ready to guide you through the application process."

Available Personal Hardship Assistance grants include:

• Emergency Hardship Assistance: $180 per person, up to $900 per family (five or more) for immediate essentials such as food, clothing and medicine.
• Essential Services Hardship Assistance: $150 per person, up to $750 per family following the loss of essential services for more than five consecutive days.
• Essential Household Contents Grants: Income-tested support for uninsured residents, up to $1,765 for individuals and $5,300 for families, to replace essential household items destroyed in the storm.
• Structural Assistance Grants: Up to $80,000 for uninsured, income-tested owner-occupiers to repair or rebuild a disaster-damaged home to a safe and habitable condition.
• Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme: Income-tested grants of up to $5,000 per household to reconnect critical services such as electricity, gas, water and sewerage.

Residents can apply online at www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp or by calling the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.