Cyclone Alfred Relief: Financial Assistance Available for Forest Lake and Other Suburbs

Residents of Forest Lake, Calamvale, Inala, Larapinta, and Pallara impacted by the severe weather of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred can now access various financial assistance programs. Some individuals are eligible for up to $80,000 to repair damaged homes.

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Income Support Available

Australia has activated the Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) to support individuals who have experienced a loss of income due to the cyclone. This payment, available for a maximum of 13 weeks, aims to assist those whose earnings have fallen below the average Australian weekly income of $1,924.60. Individuals must be 16 years or older, Australian residents, and residents or workers within a declared Local Government Area to qualify.

The payment amount varies based on individual circumstances, mirroring either the JobSeeker Payment or Youth Allowance rates, with a maximum of $1,007 paid fortnightly. It was stated that those receiving other income support payments, such as the Age Pension or JobSeeker Payment, are ineligible for the DRA. Claims for the DRA must be lodged by 8 September 2025.

Aid for Homes and Essentials

Queensland has introduced multiple financial assistance grants for affected communities. These grants cover a range of needs, from immediate hardship to structural repairs. Emergency hardship assistance is available for essential items like food and medication, providing $180 for individuals and up to $900 for families.

Essential services hardship assistance supports those who have lost essential services for more than five days, with payments of $150 for individuals and up to $750 for families. Grants are also available to replace essential household contents, with payments up to $5,300 for families, and to assist with the safety inspection and reconnection of essential services, with up to $4,200 available for repairs.

The most significant, structural assistance grant provides up to $80,000 for uninsured, low-income owner-occupiers to repair homes rendered unsafe by the cyclone. Eligibility for these grants requires residents to live in a declared affected area and meet specific income limits.

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Application Process

Residents seeking federal government assistance can apply through their myGov account or call the Australian government emergency information line on 180 22 66.

Queensland government grant applications can be accessed through the provided online forms, and assistance is available by calling the community recovery hotline on 1800 173 349. New South Wales residents can apply through their MyServiceNSW account.

Published Date 12-March-2025