Calls to extend blanket disaster recovery relief across Townsville have finally been answered, with everyone in Townsville and the Cassowary Coast now eligible for the $1000 dollar disaster payment following last month’s devastating weather event.
Previously, only selected suburbs were eligible for the financial support needed to repair any damage done to their homes in the flooding.
Federal Member for Herbert, Phil Thompson, called the Federal Government’s decision to finally extend disaster recovery relief a win for all of Townsville.
“Back in February, I got a desperate call about Marissa—a wheelchair-bound mother with cerebral palsy whose unit was swamped by floodwater. She was stuck with her electric wheelchair and bed at risk. Thanks to some veteran mates, we got her out and into a hotel. But it’s a disgrace she wasn’t covered for disaster relief until now,” Mr Thompson said.
“I wrote to Labor’s Emergency Management Minister weeks ago, and to the Prime Minister several days ago, demanding Townsville get full coverage under the disaster funding. For too long, Labor dragged their feet while families like Marissa’s suffered. She had mould ruining everything—clothes, furniture—and no help from Canberra. Meanwhile, down south, they rolled out full funding before the rain even stopped. It’s been so unfair and Labor completely botched this one for us.”
The AGDRP is a lump-sum payment given to those who have suffered serious impacts, including: major damage to their home, if you were seriously injured by the disaster, or lost a loved one during the floods.
The lump sum payment is $1000 per adult and $400 per child.
The easiest way to claim is online through myGov or via the myGov app.
