Commonwealth Assistance for Queensland Bushfire Victims
20 October 2009
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced that the Commonwealth Government will provide financial assistance to communities affected by recent bushfires in Queensland.
Commonwealth assistance is being provided to the Queensland Government through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).
Funding will include assistance for the restoration of essential public infrastructure and relief operations, as well as personal hardship and distress assistance, including:
- Emergency Assistance Payments of $170 per person and up to $780 per family;
- Essential Household Contents Grants of $1,660 per individual and up to $4,980 per couple or family;
- Essential Repairs to Housing Grants of up to $10,250 per individual and up to $13,800 per couple or family;
- Concessional loans of up to $250,000 to eligible primary producers that have suffered physical loss as a result of the bushfires; and
- Freight subsidies of up to $5,000 to assist with the cost of transporting livestock, fodder or water and building or fencing equipment or machinery.
Inquiries in relation to personal hardship and distress assistance should be made to the Queensland Department of Communities on 1800 173 349. Further information can also be found at www.communities.qld.gov.au
Inquires in relation to the freight subsidies should be made to the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries on 132 523 or by visiting www.dpi.qld.gov.au.
Inquiries in relation to the concessional interest rate loans should be made to the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority on 1800 623 946. Further information can also be found at www.qraa.qld.gov.au
The Commonwealth, through Emergency Management Australia (EMA), will continue to work closely with Queensland authorities, local government and community organisations to ensure that affected communities have all the support they need during this difficult period.
Media Contact: Adam Siddique 0407 473 630
