Communities across Queensland and New South Wales are grappling with the aftermath of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which has brought heavy rain and devastating flooding. The Federal Government is stepping up to provide financial support through the Disaster Recovery Allowance, which was activated on March 10, 2025, to assist those affected by this weather disaster.
The Disaster Recovery Allowance offers up to 13 weeks of income support for eligible workers and sole traders whose livelihoods have been significantly impacted by the cyclone. This support will be available across 14 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Queensland, including Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast, as well as 17 LGAS in New South Wales, such as Armidale and Byron Bay, with special consideration for Lord Howe Island.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the urgency of aid, stating, "At the worst of times we see the best of the Australian character. That’s exactly what we’ve seen in the past week in Queensland and New South Wales." He reassured the affected communities, declaring, "My message to these communities in this difficult time is we’ve got your back and will support you through the recovery." This sentiment reflects the government’s commitment to helping those who have lost income due to the floods, noting the eligibility criteria for the allowance, which requires income to fall below the average Australian weekly wage.
On the ground, the impact of Cyclone Alfred is palpable. Emergency services are stretched thin, responding to multiple rescues amid extreme weather conditions. A heart-wrenching rescue was reported on March 9, when emergency services saved an elderly woman from her home in Pialba, Hervey Bay, where rising waters posed imminent danger. Witness Sherylea Jones described the chaos of the situation: "We saw where water had come over roads... it was really breaking my heart to see such a dire situation." The authorities had warned residents to stay indoors as more than 300 millimeters of rain lashed the region.
Rescuers found the woman after her family had lost contact with her. The swift water rescue team located her during property checks, where they discovered the water lapping at her door and realized she was "in quite substantial danger," as Ms. Jones recounted. Acting Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy reported numerous rescues on the Fraser Coast, with nine homes evacuated and rescue teams working relentlessly through the relentless conditions.
Meanwhile, the Albanese Government is not just focusing on immediate relief; they are also extending longer-term support through the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP). Claims for this assistance opened on March 10, as well, targeting additional flood-affected areas including Georgetown, Damper Creek, Rungoo, and Bluewater. This payment aims to alleviate distress for affected residents who have incurred significant damages, such as loss of household contents and the need for repairs to structurally unsafe homes.
"The entire government is focused on supporting Australians facing the effects of significant weather events at the moment," stated Minister for Government Services Katy Gallagher. She acknowledged the extensive impact of the flooding across Far North and North Queensland, reiteratively expressing compassion for those impacted and urging residents to check their eligibility for support.
To make this support accessible, the Australian Government has streamlined the claims process, urging affected residents to utilize the Services Australia website for eligibility checks. For those needing direct assistance, the Australian Government Emergency Information Line is also available at 180 22 66.
The widespread flooding has not only disrupted local lives but provoked significant responses from services across the regions. Local emergency services reported receiving over 1,000 calls for assistance in the Hervey Bay area alone. Despite the overwhelming volume of requests, witnesses like Ms. Jones observed the relentless commitment of first responders. "I think they are very, very stretched at the moment... it was just absolute chaos," she noted, feeling both admiration and concern for the rescue teams battling adverse conditions.
Assistance through grants and loans is also available to support small businesses, primary producers, and non-profit organizations affected by the flood. This combined effort between the Australian and Queensland Governments is aimed at aiding those whose lives and businesses have been turned upside down by this catastrophe.
Finally, as the recovery effort continues, the Australian people are reminded of the resilience shown by communities during such challenging times. With the situation still developing, government officials highlight the need for community solidarity and support. Recovery from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred will be long, but the assurance of governmental support provides hope to those facing the aftermath.