The Australian government is extending critical disaster support to more communities affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in South East Queensland.
As of March 20, 2025, the Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) has been introduced for the Local Government Area (LGA) of Livingstone, while the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) is now available for individuals residing in the Lockyer Valley LGA and specific suburbs in the Scenic Rim, Fraser Coast, and Sunshine Coast LGAs.
This joint response reflects an ongoing commitment from the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments to address the various challenges faced by Queensland residents after the cyclone's devastating impact.
Queensland has faced numerous hardships in the aftermath of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, prompting urgent measures to assist affected communities. One of the main forms of financial aid comes through the DRA, which offers up to 13 weeks of income support for eligible workers and sole traders whose income has been disrupted due to the cyclone.
In addition to income support, the AGDRP has been set at $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child for those experiencing severe effects, including major property damage or loss of life due to the cyclone. Notably, this payment is available to residents in affected areas: Lockyer Valley, including the suburb of Bli Bli in Sunshine Coast LGA, and several regions across Fraser Coast and Scenic Rim LGAs.
Current residents impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred may also qualify for further assistance through hardship programs designed to alleviate other financial burdens. For example, those who have lost essential services such as power, gas, water, or sewerage for over five days can apply for Essential Services Hardship Assistance, with payments varying between $150 to $750 based on household size.
Emergency Hardship Assistance is also available for those in need of funds for necessities such as food, clothing, and medicine. This aid ranges from $180 to $900, depending on family size.
Furthermore, if essential household contents—like bed linens or white goods—have been lost, applicants can claim the Essential Household Contents Grant, which offers between $1,765 and $5,300. In situations where their homes have become structurally unsafe to inhabit, uninsured, low-income owner-occupiers may receive up to $80,000 through the Structural Assistance Grant, aimed at helping restore living conditions.
The Minister for Government Services, Katy Gallagher, underscored the significance of these supports: “We know ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred is having an enduring impact on South East Queensland, and our government is working hard to support impacted communities during this difficult time.” Gallagher emphasized that Services Australia staff are working diligently around the clock to process claims quickly.
“The Disaster Recovery Allowance will support workers who have suffered a loss of income as a direct result of this event, while the AGDRP will help eligible residents who have experienced severe impacts like major damage to their home,” Gallagher added. She encouraged individuals in affected areas to verify their eligibility for payments on Services Australia’s website.
In parallel, Minister for Emergency Management, Jenny McAllister, noted the government's comprehensive approach in providing financial assistance: “It’s been a challenging time for communities impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and today’s activation extends the support the Albanese Government is providing for impacted communities.”
McAllister added, “The Disaster Recovery Allowance and AGDRP are just two of the many payments available to help individuals begin their recovery process. We have worked closely with the Queensland Government to ensure that there are a range of payments available to meet the different ways communities have been impacted.”
Showcasing long-term commitment, McAllister reiterated that recovery could be a lengthy journey, emphasizing, “We will stand by the communities in South East Queensland for the long haul.”
Claims related to the AGDRP and DRA are set to open at 2 p.m. local time on March 20, 2025. Those requesting support can process claims quickly online through myGov or the myGov application. If assistance is required, the Australian Government Emergency Information Line is available at 180 22 66. Additionally, affected individuals can change or pause Centrelink debt repayments online or via a mobile app.
The recovery process in South East Queensland underscores the collaborative efforts of the Albanese and Crisafulli governments, aiming to ensure that affected residents receive the assistance they need in this time of crisis.
