Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Acting Attorney-General Brendan O'Connor today announced the Australian Government will provide additional payments for people significantly affected by the Queensland floods crisis.
The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment will be available to people significantly affected by flooding in Queensland Local Government Areas that have been declared natural disaster zones.
There are currently 41 LGAs across Queensland that are natural disasters zones.
There are many people across Queensland who will be doing it extremely tough over the new year as a result of these floods.
These payments will see $1000 for each adult and $400 for each child in the hands of families most in need, including people who have lost their homes or whose homes have sustained major damage.
The payments will be delivered by Centrelink, subject to eligibility criteria. The Australian Government will establish an Emergency Assistance Hotline on 180 2266 to receive claims for assistance.
The hotline will be open between 8am - 8pm (QLD time), seven days a week from tomorrow, Saturday 1 January. Centrelink staff will also be available in some recovery/evacuation centres. Arrangements allowing the payments to flow will be finalised in the coming days.
Today's announcement is in addition to assistance from the Australian Government already being provided through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).
The NDRRA funding will be provided to Queensland for counter disaster operations and for the restoration of essential public infrastructure - such as bridges, roads and schools - where expenditure exceeds certain thresholds and requirements. Personal hardship grants and distress grants are also available.
Late yesterday and this morning, Toowoomba Regional Council and Woorabinda and Cherbourg Aboriginal Council areas were declared natural disaster zones.
There are also hundreds of volunteers, emergency services workers and ADF personnel who bring in the new year supporting flood-affected communities in Queensland. We thank them for their tireless work in helping their fellow Australians.
The Gillard Government will continue to work closely with the Queensland Government to provide support to these communities.
More information on Australian Government assistance is available at the Disaster Assist website.