Our thoughts are with you all as we navigate our way through the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the subsequent unprecedented flooding event that has deeply impacted our region.
We understand that there is a lot of information currently floating around about support that is available for both businesses and individuals and we have attempted to collate the current information below for you.
Financial Assistance
The following grants have been activated by the Queensland Government - please click on the links below to learn more about eligibility and how to apply:
Emergency Hardship Assistance
For help with essential needs, food, medication, clothing and temporary accommodation.
$180 for individuals | up to $900 for families of 5 or more
Essential Services Hardship Assistance
For help with essential services such as power, gas, water and sewage.
$150 for individual | up to $750 for families of 5 or more
Essential Household Contents Grant
To replace essential lost household contents, such as bed linen and whitegoods.
$1,765 for individuals | up to $5,300 for couples or families
Essential Services Safety and Reconnection
To help with safety inspection and repairs to reconnect essential services such as gas, water, electricity and sewage.
$200 for safety inspections | $4,200 for repairs or replacement of these services
Structural Assistance Grant
To help with structural repairs or contribution towards replacement of dwelling. 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.
Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP)
Applications for the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) is open for people who live and work in the Douglas Shire.
People will soon be able to check their eligibility and how to claim on the Services Australia website. 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. If they want to speak to someone in their language, they can also call the Centrelink multilingual phone service on 131 202.
Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA)
The Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) has been triggered under Services Australia in the Federal Government. It provides up to 13 weeks of federal income support to assist eligible employees or sole traders who experience a loss of income as a direct result of a major disaster. Equivalent financial assistance is also available to eligible New Zealand citizens holding ‘non-protected Special Category’ and ‘subclass 444’ visas. People will soon be able to check their eligibility and how to claim on the Services Australia website.
Small Business
Visit the Small Business Disaster Hub to access a range of resources to help businesses respond and recover following a natural disaster.
Employer Assistance Line
Phone 1300 731 988 for the Business Chamber Queensland's employer assistance line to get:
Industrial relations advice on managing staff and meeting Fair Work Act 2009 obligations.
HR Support
TTNQ is pleased to offer assistance to members grappling with HR and staffing challenges arising from recent weather events and their impact on business operations. Through their partnership with HR Dynamics, members can access dedicated one-on-one support that is strictly confidential, addressing a range of concerns such as navigating staff stand-downs, fulfilling obligations to both full and part-time employees during recovery, crafting effective communication strategies for staff throughout the recovery process, accessing the Government support and managing psychosocial risks to employees. Whether you have specific questions or need guidance on an ad hoc basis, free expert assistance, up to 3 hours per business, is here for you. For personalised HR expertise, please reach out to Phoebe at phoebe@hrdynamics.com.au.
Other Resources
Recognise scams and dodgy traders relating to natural disasters
Tourism Port Douglas Daintree acknowledges the custodianship of the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef by the local Kuku Yalanji and Yirraganydji people whose rich cultures, heritage values, enduring connections and shared efforts protect our natural assets for future generations, and we pay our respect to elders past, present and emerging.
