The Australian federal and state governments are stepping up to support residents and businesses affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, announcing emergency financial assistance today, March 10, 2025. This joint effort aims to provide immediate relief to those who have suffered significant losses due to the storm's impact, signaling the commitment of both governments to help communities recover.
The emergency financial assistance package will grant $180 for individuals and up to $900 per family to cover pressing needs such as food, clothing, and emergency accommodations. The support, known as the Personal Hardship Assistance Grant, is open to residents located within declared Local Government Areas affected by the cyclone, which include Armidale, Ballina, Bellingen, Byron, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Glenn Innes Severn, Kempsey, Kyogle, Lismore, Lord Howe Island, MidCoast, Nambucca Valley, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Richmond Valley, Tenterfield, and Tweed.
Applications for the grant will begin on Wednesday, March 12, and will remain open until April 8, 2025. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate they have experienced hardship as a direct effect of the cyclone, which has made it difficult for them to meet their immediate needs.
Alongside this initiative, the Albanese Government has also activated the Disaster Recovery Allowance. This allowance will provide up to 13 weeks of income support for eligible workers and sole traders who have lost income due to the cyclone's damage. More information about the allowance is available on the Services Australia website, which directs individuals to the appropriate resources and application procedures.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed the government’s resolve to assist affected residents during this challenging time. “We are working with the Minns Government to get this money out the door as quickly as possible. My message to those affected is my Government has got your back,” Albanese stated. He acknowledged the resilience of the communities and reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting them throughout the recovery process.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns highlighted the challenges faced by families without power and those who have had to evacuate their homes. “It has been tough going for the communities impacted by TC Alfred. We know these communities are concerned about the cost of re-stocking the fridge or replacing damaged goods. This payment will go a bit of the way to providing some immediate relief for hardship experienced,” he said.
Minister for Emergency Services Jenny McAllister emphasized the urgency and importance of providing financial assistance. “This payment will help provide some immediate assistance after a very tough week for Northern New South Wales. We know recovery will take some time, but we are here for the long haul,” she said.
The financial assistance package aims to alleviate the burden of immediate costs, such as food and clothing, to help families regain their footing after the disaster. New South Wales Minister for Planning Paul Scully stated, “Through this financial assistance, we aim to ease the burden of immediate costs like food, clothing, and accommodation, helping individuals and families get back on their feet as quickly as possible." He urged those eligible to apply through Service NSW, either online or in person.
Despite the struggles faced by the communities, New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib acknowledged the perseverance of residents. “Our hearts go out to the people of this region who have done it particularly tough but continuously shown their resilience and spirit,” he reflected. He noted the importance of maintaining support for the community as they work toward rebuilding their lives.
Further extending assistance, the federal government has also included 14 local government areas across Queensland to benefit from these financial supports. These areas comprise Brisbane, Gold Coast, Gympie, Ipswich, Moreton Bay, Scenic Rim, and Sunshine Coast. Workers residing within these jurisdictions can also apply for the Disaster Recovery Allowance if they have faced direct income loss as a result of the cyclone.
According to the guidelines, to qualify for income support, applicants must demonstrate their income has fallen below the average Australian weekly income due to the catastrophic weather event. Applications for this allowance opened today, March 11, at 2 PM local time.
Prime Minister Albanese concluded by expressing confidence in the Australian spirit during such difficult times, noting, “At the worst of times we see the best of the Australian character. That’s exactly what we’ve seen in the past week.” The government reassured the public of their commitment to support and rebuild these impacted communities, aiming for recovery and resilience.
For more information on available support or to access applications, residents are encouraged to visit the New South Wales Government’s website on cyclone assistance at www.nsw.gov.au/cyclonealfredrecovery. There, community members can find details about recovery points and additional resources available to help them through this challenging period.
Overall, the response to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred demonstrates government commitment toward disaster recovery, addressing both immediate and future needs of the impacted residents and businesses, reinforcing the spirit of community and resilience.