The Prime Minister today announced updated figures for emergency payments provided to those affected by the floods in NSW and Queensland.
The Australian Government is working closely with the Queensland and NSW Governments in this unfolding flood situation to make sure affected communities get any necessary Commonwealth assistance immediately.
As at the end of Friday 10 February more than 10,900 claims for the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment have been granted, worth over $12.96 million.
Of this, more than 4,100 claims were from Queensland, totalling around $4.89 million and more than 6,800 claims have been from NSW, worth over $8.07 million.
Over 16,000 calls have been received to the Australian Government Information Line of 180 22 66 since the payment was announced on 6 February.
More than 850 claims were granted on that day the payment was first announced, the fastest turnaround of disaster payments in Australian history.
The Australian Government is providing Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payments of $1000 per adult and $400 per child to people who have been impacted by flooding in Balonne, Barcaldine, Blackall-Tambo, Maranoa, Murweh and Paroo shires in Queensland and those in Moree, Narrabri and Gwydir in New South Wales.
Residents can apply online at www.humanservices.gov.auor call 180 22 66.
The Australian Government is also providing significant financial assistance under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) for 21 local government areas in NSW and 21 in Queensland declared as natural disaster areas.
Details of assistance can be found at www.disasterassist.gov.au
Speaking in St George in Queensland, the Prime Minister also announced that the Australian Government had this week advanced $1.9 billion to Queensland to assist in recovery from last year's natural disasters.
This is part of our commitment to help Queensland rebuild from the natural disasters that took place last summer.
This week's payment means that the Australian Government has advanced a total of $4.1 billion to Queensland to assist in recovery from events including last year's floods and Cyclone Yasi.
These further advance payments are evidence of our ongoing commitment to helping Queensland recover and rebuild.