Residents living in southeast Queensland are now eligible to apply for disaster assistance following the devastating impacts of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. After extensive evaluations, the federal government determined areas such as Brisbane City and Scenic Rim meet the criteria for Personal Hardship Assistance, allowing residents to seek immediate financial support.
From March 12, 2025, Queensland families can apply for payments totaling $180 for individuals and up to $900 for families with five or more members. This financial assistance is aimed at helping purchase emergency essentials, including food, clothing, and medicine, per the directives from Queensland Disaster Recovery Minister Ann Leahy. "Personal Hardship Assistance provides immediate financial aid to get people back on their feet following a disaster," Leahy explained, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of all three levels of government to support affected communities.
Alongside personal hardship assistance, the Disaster Recovery Allowance has been announced, allowing eligible workers—across 31 local government areas (14 in Queensland and 17 New South Wales)—to claim up to 13 weeks of income support due to loss of income resulting from this natural disaster. Applications for this assistance must be submitted by September 8, 2025, as communities continue dealing with the cyclone's aftermath.
The storm, which downgraded to tropical low before making landfall, still caused some of the most extensive power outages recorded, affecting over 230,000 homes and businesses. While businesses were forced to close during the storm, the Queensland and federal governments have committed to providing support to boost the recovery process. "At the worst of times, we see the best of Australian character," stated Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. "That’s exactly what we’ve seen in the past week in Queensland and NSW. My message to these communities in this difficult time is we’ve got your back and will support you through the recovery."
For residents of five specific local council areas, including Gold Coast, Logan, Moreton Bay, and Redland, the Emergency Hardship Assistance Grants have also been activated. Eligible locals can receive grants to replace destroyed household items like whitegoods and bed linen, with individual grants capped at $1,765 and family grants potentially reaching $5,300. Additional support for those experiencing loss of the necessary services for over five consecutive days can provide individuals with $150 and families with up to $750.
This financial aid is extended to low-income earners who are uninsured and require Structural Assistance Grants, which can provide up to $80,000 for home repairs, along with up to $5,000 for reconnections of utilities like power, gas, and water. With the state and federal governments enacting the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, local councils can access funds for public safety operations and emergency road repairs.
RACQ has also committed to helping communities navigate through these difficult times. The organization's Managing Director, David Carter, announced its immediate $1 million initiative aimed at directly supporting families, community groups, and sporting clubs hardest hit by the natural disaster. "Partnering with these great organisations ensures communities will receive the support they need right now," said Carter amid claims processing for 7,447 insurance claims received related to this event.
RACQ plans to launch special recovery grant rounds worth up to $500,000 aimed at community organizations affected by Cyclone Alfred and the severe floods experienced across northern Queensland. More substantial community support will likely follow as the full impacts of the cyclone become clearer.
For those interested in applying for support, eligible residents need to check their eligibility and apply through www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp or reach the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline at 1800 173 349. Local councils involved, alongside Brisbane, include Bundaberg, Fraser Coast, Gympie, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Noosa, Southern Downs, and Toowoomba.
Efforts from each government tier and organizations like RACQ showcase the resilience and collective strength of communities affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. The road to recovery may be long, but with timely assistance and unwavering support, Queenslanders are facing this challenge head-on. Those needing help should act quickly as the deadlines for several forms of assistance approach, emphasizing the importance of community solidarity during challenging times.