Residents of South-East Queensland and Northern New South Wales are preparing to apply for disaster relief following extensive damage wrought by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Monday, March 10, 2025, all eligible workers and sole traders affected by the cyclone can access up to 13 weeks of income support through the Disaster Recovery Allowance. The provision is part of the government’s extensive relief effort to help communities impacted by the recent severe weather.
Albanese stressed the government’s commitment to supporting those struggling, stating, “At the worst of times we see the best of the Australian character.” He reiterated, “My message to these communities in this difficult time is we’ve got your back and will support you through the recovery.” This assurance emphasizes the government’s urgency to assist residents who have experienced significant disruptions to their lives and livelihoods.
The Disaster Recovery Allowance is particularly aimed at those who have experienced income loss due to the cyclone, providing fortnightly payments assessed on personal circumstances at rates aligned with the JobSeeker or Youth Allowance. To qualify for this support, individuals must be at least 16 years old and demonstrate income directly affected by the cyclone. The maximum payment aligns with the JobSeeker payment, now reaching about $1,007 per fortnight, which reflects the government's push to ease the financial burden on affected households.
Eligible areas include 31 local government areas across Queensland and New South Wales, including Lismore, Clarence Valley, Gold Coast, and Logan. The Australian government has also called for applications starting at 2 PM AEDT on Tuesday, March 11. Interested parties will be able to check their eligibility via the Services Australia website and can submit claims through the myGov platform.
For those seeking immediate relief, the Federal Government will provide one-time payments of $1,000 per adult and $400 per child for individuals adversely affected by Cyclone Alfred. These payments are intended to assist those who have sustained injuries, lost family members, or faced significant damage to their homes. Notably, these payments will activate alongside the Disaster Recovery Allowance at 2 PM on March 11.
The Queensland government has also introduced grants through their Personal Hardship Assistance Scheme, targeting residents of affected areas such as Logan, Gold Coast City, and Redlands City. Some financial aid options within this scheme include:
- Emergency Hardship Assistance Grant: $180 per individual, up to $900 for families of five or more
- Essential Services Hardship Assistance Grant: $150 per individual, up to $750 for families
- Structural Assistance Grant and Essential Household Contents Grant
- Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has scheduled additional announcements providing more support options as necessary. A joint effort from both state and federal governments aims to cover all bases to restore normalcy for affected residents.
The banking sector is also stepping up, with National Australia Bank (NAB) offering $1,000 disaster relief grants to customers. NAB Group Executive Sharon Cook remarked, “For someone who needs emergency accommodation or supplies, this can be a valuable lifeline to help get them back on their feet.” Other major banks, including the Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, and ANZ, are implementing measures such as payment deferrals and waived fees to help ease financial pressures.
The floods resulting from Cyclone Alfred have wreaked havoc across multiple regions, causing over 238,000 households and businesses to lose power as of Monday. Forecasts indicate continued heavy rains, symbolizing the regional struggle with natural disasters. Local authorities remain vigilant as floodwaters recede; many roads remain closed, and isolation warnings are issued for numerous communities.
While assistance schemes are mobilizing, residents must act quickly to secure the funding they need. For guidance, the Australian Government Emergency Information Line is available at 180 22 66 for any assistance required during the application process. The road to recovery is long, but with substantial government backing, affected individuals and families might restore their livelihoods once again.