Australia Extends Flood Assistance To Victoria
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today said Commonwealth assistance will be extended to areas in Victoria affected by severe rainfall and flooding over the weekend.
Mr McClelland said the activation means people impacted by the flooding will have access to Personal Hardship Grants under the Natural Disaster Recovery Relief Arrangements (NDRRA) as well as the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) and the Disaster Income Recovery Subsidy (DIRS).
Personal Hardship Grants under the Natural Disaster Recovery Relief Arrangements (jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Victorian Government):
- Emergency Grants of up to $1,067 to provide assistance to meet immediate basic needs,
- Temporary living expenses of up to $865 per week for up to 10 weeks to assist households with the cost of temporary accommodation and living expenses, and
- Re-establishment Grants of up to $8,650 for repairs to structural damage to a residence and $8,650 to replace essential household contents such as furnishings and electrical goods.
For information about NDRRA Personal Hardship Grants, phone the Flood and Storm Information Line on 1300 842 737.
“The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment of $1000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children has already been activated for communities in Victoria affected by flooding last month,” said Mr McClelland.
“This payment will be automatically extended to communities where the Victorian Government determines an area is disaster affected and will receive NDRRA assistance during February.
“The Disaster Income Recovery Subsidy will also be extended for employee and small business owners who have been unable to work or have lost income as a result of the flooding.
“The Australian Defence Force has also been providing local logistical support over the weekend to communities affected by flooding.”
The AGDRP is subject to eligibility criteria and is available to people:
- whose principal place of residence has been destroyed, or;
- whose principal place of residence sustained major damage, or;
- who was unable to gain access to their principal place of residence for a period of 24 hours or more, or;
- who was stranded in their principal place of residence for a period of 24 hours or more, or;
- whose principal place of residence was without electricity, water, gas, sewerage services or another essential service for at least 48 hours (a utility failure) and the utility failure was caused by damage to public or private infrastructure, or;
- who was seriously injured, or;
- who is the immediate family member of an Australian who died as a direct result of the disaster, or;
- who is a principal carer of a dependent child who has experienced any of the above.
The Disaster Income Recovery Subsidy is also subject to eligibility criteria.
The Commonwealth Government is already providing assistance across 27 Local Government Areas in Victoria impacted by the flooding that occurred in January.
This includes:
- Joint Commonwealth/Victorian Government Personal Hardship Grants under the Natural Disaster Recovery Relief Arrangements;
- Grants of up to $25,000 for small businesses and primary producers directly affected by flooding;
- Funding to help restore critical infrastructure;
- The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment; and
- The Disaster Income Recovery Subsidy.
For information about the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment, call the Government’s Emergency Hotline on 180 2266.
More information about Commonwealth assistance available for people affected by flooding is available by visiting www.disasterassist.gov.au
Topics: 2011, AGDRP, Asia, Australia, Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment, Brisbane, business, Cyclone Yasi, DIRS, Disaster Recovery Subsidy, economic development, economic growth, economic recovery, Economy, environment, flood victims, flooding, floods, Governance, government, ICA, moniter, montitor, Natural Disaster Recovery Relief Arrangements, NDRRA, news, Operation Queensland Flood Assist, Personal Hardship Grants, property, Queensland, rain, rainfall, recovery, society, tourism, Victoria
Print This Article in Plain Text
|
|
Latest Headlines
- Osama Bin Laden Dead?
- Florida To Share $1 Billion For Gulf Coast Restoration Efforts
- Texas Prays For Rain During Extreme Drought Conditions
- Governor Christie Takes Action To Reduce Diesel Emissions, Improve Air Quality
- Governor McDonnell Outlines Draft Transportation Improvement Program
- Alaska Energy Bill Passes Legislature
- Illinois State Building Receives ENERGY STAR Award
- Homeland Security Begins Using National Terrorism Advisory System
- U.S. Outlines New Health Insurance Options For Graduating College Students
- Electrolux Expands In North Carolina, To Create 200 Jobs In Charlotte
- Virginia Storm Victims To Receive Tax Extension
- U.S. Expands Broadband Investment For Rural Areas To Accelerate Job Creation
- U.S. To Invest $130 Million For Advanced Energy Research
- Michigan Passes “I’m Sorry” Bill
- Kentucky Sells Two State Aircraft To Save Taxpayer Dollars
