Grants and Financial Support - Burke Shire Flooding Event 2023

This page is for Burke Shire Residents for grants and financial support. This page will be continually updated as further funding opportunities arise. 

There are currently a number of grants avaliable to assistance Burke Shire Residents with flooding and relocation costs. Whilst we understand some of the grants at this stage are not relevant as residents are unable to view property damage, it is advisable to understand grants avaliable to residents to prepare for post disaster recovery. 

Burke Shire Council is working to have grants officer avaliable on the ground to assist residents in apply for grants and funding. For those that require immediate assistance please contact the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349. 

For specific business and rural properties related support please see the links below: 

If you have any further questions please contact Council (0456 583 968 or 0417 335 259). 

Australia Government Disaster Recovery Payment and the Government's Disaster Recovery Allowance 

The Federal Government has announced that residents of the Burke Shire LGA can now apply for the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment which is available through Services Australia from 2pm Friday 17th March 2023.

To see the full media release, view the website - https://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au/MurrayWatt/Pages/federal-disaster-payments-activated-north-queensland-floods.aspx

Residents can apply for the $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child.

The Government’s Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) is also available to employees or sole traders who work or live in the LGAs of Boulia, Burke, Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Doomadgee, Mornington and Mount Isa.

The DRA provides up to 13 weeks of federal income support to assist people who experience a loss of income as a direct result of a major disaster. Information about payment eligibility is available on the https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/natural-disaster-events?context=60042

The easiest way for people to claim is online through myGov. If people need help to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.

The Emergency Hardship Assistance Grant for $180 per adult and $900 for a family of five is still available and will be available until the 6th April. To register for this, apply online or over the phone - https://www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies/disasters/money-finance/types-grants/emergency-hardship-assist or 1800 173 349.

The Essential Households Content Grant, Structural Assistance Grant and the Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Grant will be open for two years. Council is working to have personnel on the ground in Burke Shire in the near future to assistance residents with applications. If residents are able to take photos of the any of the damage that may be relevant to funding this will greatly assist in applications.

 

For more information on grants and support, including primary producer support, please visit Burke Shire Council’s website – www.burke.qld.gov.au

Burke Shire LGA Emergency Hardship Assistance Grant 

•    Emergency Hardship Assistance grants now available to people in the Burke Local Government Area (LGA) following recent heavy rainfall and flooding
•    You are experiencing immediate and urgent needs as a result of the disaster event – such as food accommodation and medication
•    Emergency Hardship Assistance grants of up to $180 per person and $900 for a family of five.
•    You must be 18 years or older to complete the application 
•    You must have Identification, bank account details and a valid email address to apply - for the "Search for Grants" section please use a date on/after 5th March 2023 for the "Date you were affected" component to ensure you are able to find the appropriate grant. 
Apply for grants online at www.qld.gov.au/DisasterHelp. Please call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 for assistance.

Essential Households Content Grants 

The Essential Household Contents Grant is to replace essential lost household contents, such as bed linen and white goods. This grant may be available if you:

  • live in the affected area
  • own the items that have been lost
  • own or rent the affected residence
  • are uninsured or unable to claim insurance
  • meet the income limits.

We will visit your home to assess the damage. We will need photographic evidence if items must be disposed of.

Grant amount:

  • $1,765 for individuals
  • up to $5,300 for couples or families.

Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Grant

The Essential Services Safety and Reconnection grant is to help with for safety inspection and repairs to reconnect essential services e.g. gas, water, electricity and sewage. This grant may be available if you:

  • live in the affected area
  • have had your essential services disconnected
  • own and live in the affected residence
  • are uninsured or unable to claim insurance
  • meet the income limits.

We will visit your home to assess the damage.

Grant amount:

Inspection costs—$200 for safety inspection for water, electricity, gas and sewage. Up to $5,300 for couples or families
$4,200 for repairs or replacement of these services.

Structural Assistance Grant 

The Structural Assistance Grant is to help with structural repairs or contribution towards replacement of dwelling. This grant may be available if:

you live in the affected area
you own and live in the affected residence
your home has become structurally unsafe to live in
are uninsured or unable to claim insurance
meet the income limits.
We will visit your home to assess the damage.

Grant amount:

Uninsured, low income, owner-occupiers may receive up to a maximum of $50,000 to help repair your home to make it safe, secure and habitable.