Joint media release with the Hon Nikki Boyd MP and the Hon Leeanne Enoch MP

Disaster assistance has begun rolling out for residents impacted by severe weather associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily in South East Queensland.

While impact assessments are still underway, the Australian and Queensland Governments have begun delivering support in some of the worst-hit areas, with assistance for Moreton Bay Council, and Bray Park residents activated this morning.

This comes after the area received severe heavy rainfall that inundated a number of homes and commercial properties.

Eligible Bray Park residents can apply for Personal Hardship Assistance grants, with $180 for individuals and up to $900 for a family of five or more available to cover the costs of essentials such as food, clothing and medicine.

A range of other support measures are also available through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to help eligible residents make their home safe and habitable, and to reconnect essential services.

Additionally, Moreton Bay Regional Council can access DRFA assistance for the reconstruction of damaged essential public assets like roads and bridges.

Funding is also being provided to council for counter disaster operations, including the removal of fallen trees and debris, and other measures aimed at community safety such as sandbagging.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt:

“While impact assessments are still underway, we’re beginning to roll out assistance to communities where the full extent of the damage is known.”

“We will continue to work with the Queensdland Government to activate assistance where it’s needed.“

Although Bray Park is almost 1,500 kilometres from where ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily crossed the Queensland coast, its residents have felt the unwelcome impacts of the severe weather associated with this cyclone.”

“Activating Personal Hardship Assistance grants for affected residents allows them to recoup the costs of life’s essentials during this tough time.

Quotes attributable to the minister responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Nikki Boyd:

“This latest flooding is a bitter blow for many Bray Park residents who have only just finished cleaning up following the terrible floods of 2022,” Ms Boyd said.

“Being woken at 3.00am with water rushing through your house is an extremely traumatic experience, especially given the events of a mere two years ago.

“The community’s response, however, has been nothing short of inspirational, and the activation of Personal Hardship Assistance will help those hurting right now.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Communities Leeanne Enoch:

“It’s crucial Bray Park residents hit by this latest flooding event can get back on their feet as soon as possible,” Ms Enoch said.

“Those eligible can now apply through www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp or by calling the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.”

“Whatever support you need, whether it’s financial, emotional or housing assistance, the Queensland and Australian Governments are here for Queenslanders.”

Additional information on assistance available

Personal Hardship Assistance Scheme

• Emergency Hardship Assistance Grants – $180 per person, up to $900 for a family of five or more to support immediate essential needs such as food, clothing or medical supplies.
• Structural Assistance Grants – up to $50,000 for uninsured, income-tested owner-occupiers towards the repair or replacement of a disaster damaged dwelling to return it to a safe and habitable condition.
• Essential Services Hardship Assistance – $150 per person, up to $750 for a family of five or more to assist with immediate needs following the loss of essential services at home for more than five consecutive days.
• Essential Household Contents Grants – up to $1,765 for individuals and up to $5,300 for couples or families to replace destroyed essential household contents such as bed linen and white goods.

Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme

• Income-tested grants to help uninsured residents reconnect damaged services like electricity, gas, water or sewerage. Up to $5,000 per household.

For more visit Disaster Assist or Disaster support and recovery.

This release was originally published on the Ministers for the Department of Home Affairs' website.