Oxley, Corinda, and Sherwood residents, who suffered losses from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, can now access various financial assistance programs. Some homeowners are eligible for up to $80,000 to repair severely damaged properties.
Income Loss Support
Australia has initiated the Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) to provide crucial financial support to individuals who experienced income loss due to the cyclone’s impact. This short-term assistance, available for a maximum of 13 weeks, aims to help those whose earnings have fallen below the average Australian weekly income of $1,924.60.
To be eligible, individuals must be 16 years or older, Australian residents, and residents or workers within a designated Local Government Area. Individual circumstances determine the payment amount, which mirrors either the JobSeeker Payment or Youth Allowance rates. A maximum of $1,007 is paid fortnightly.
It was confirmed that individuals receiving other income support payments, such as the Age Pension or JobSeeker Payment, are not eligible for the DRA. Claims for the DRA must be submitted by 8 September 2025.
Queensland Grants: Home and Essential Needs
Queensland has established a series of financial assistance grants specifically for impacted communities, including those in Oxley, Corinda, and Sherwood. These grants address many needs, from immediate hardship to structural repairs. Emergency hardship assistance is available for essential items like food and medication, providing $180 for individuals and up to $900 for families.
Essential services hardship assistance supports those who have lost essential services for more than five days, with payments of $150 for individuals and up to $750 for families. Grants are also available to replace essential household contents, with payments up to $5,300 for families, and to assist with the safety inspection and reconnection of essential services, with up to $4,200 available for repairs.
The most substantial structural assistance grant provides up to $80,000 for uninsured, low-income owner-occupiers to repair homes rendered unsafe by the cyclone. To be eligible for these grants, residents must live in a designated affected area and meet specific income limits.
Assistance Details
Residents in Oxley, Corinda, and Sherwood seeking federal government assistance can apply through their myGov account or by contacting the Australian government emergency information line on 180 22 66.
The provided online forms can access Queensland grant applications, and assistance is available by calling the community recovery hotline at 1800 173 349. New South Wales residents can apply through their MyServiceNSW account.
Published Date 12-March-2025
