- Queenslanders whose homes have been impacted by the Baffle Creek and Deepwater bushfires south of Gladstone can now apply for financial assistance.
- Individuals can apply for $180 in emergency assistance, with up to $900 available for a family of five or more.
- These Personal Hardship Assistance grants are available to cover the costs of essential items like food, clothing and medicine.
- Support up to $5,000 per household is also available to help uninsured residents reconnect damaged essential services.
Personal Hardship Assistance is now available to residents of Baffle Creek and Deepwater whose homes have been impacted by recent bushfires.
The assistance provides $180 for individuals and up to $900 for a family of five to cover the costs of essential items such as food, clothing and medicine.
Uninsured residents can also access means-tested grants up to $5,000 per household through the Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme to reconnect damaged services like electricity, gas and water.
Support is being provided through the joint Commonwealth-state funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, (DRFA).
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt:
“We’ve activated assistance through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to keep bushfire-affected Queenslanders on their feet during this challenging period,” Minister Watt said.
“This is a good example of the Australian and Queensland Governments working together to provide practical assistance to communities as soon as possible in the critical days after a disaster strikes.”
Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier and minister responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Steven Miles:
“The Queensland and Australian Governments have taken swift action to support Baffle Creek and Deepwater residents whose properties have been damaged by these bushfires,” Mr Miles said.
“Our emergency services and officers from the Queensland Reconstruction Authority will continue to work with Gladstone Regional Council to provide further assistance to those in need.”
