Minister for Government Services, Bill Shorten, and Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt, say the Albanese Government has extended disaster assistance payments to more people who suffered serious damage or injury in severe storms in South East Queensland last month.

The Australian Government Disaster Payment (AGDRP) payment will be available from 2pm AEST today (January 25) for eligible people in the following suburbs:

• City of Gold Coast: Ashmore, Burleigh Heads, Burleigh Waters, Carrara, Currumbin Waters, Elanora, Gilston, Hope Island, Kingsholme, Merrimac, Ormeau, Palm Beach, Parkwood, Reedy Creek, Robina, Southport, Tallebudgera, Tugun, Varsity Lakes and Willow Vale.
• City of Logan: Eagleby, Glenlogan, Logan Village, Riverbend and Veresdale.
• Scenic Rim Region: Beaudesert and Veresdale.

AGDRP is a payment of $1,000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children who have been significantly impacted.

To date, more than 11,400 claims for AGDRP have been granted and more than $13.5 million paid to eligible people who live in the following suburbs where the payment is already available:

• City of Gold Coast: Arundel, Biggera Waters, Bonogin, Clagiraba, Coombabah, Coomera, Gaven, Guanaba, Helensvale, Hollywell, Labrador, Lower Beechmont, Maudsland, Mount Nathan, Mudgeeraba, Nerang, Oxenford, Pacific Pines, Paradise Point, Pimpama, Runaway Bay, Springbrook, Tallai, Upper Coomera, Wongawallan and Worongary.
• City of Logan: Cedar Creek, Cedar Grove, Cedar Vale, Flagstone, Jimboomba, Mundoolun, Tamborine and Woodhill.
• Scenic Rim Region: Beechmont, Gleneagle, Tamborine and Tamborine Mountain.

The AGDRP extension builds on joint Federal-State financial hardship assistance already available for South East Queensland residents who need to replace food, clothing, medicines or reconnect utilities, but who have not suffered major damage to their home. Residents can apply for these payments through http://www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp.

The Disaster Recovery Allowance is also already accessible for eligible people who live or work in the Gold Coast, City of Logan and Scenic Rim Region Local Government Areas. The allowance 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.

Affected people can check their eligibility on the Services Australia website, and the quickest way to claim a payment is online through myGov.

If people need help to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency information line on 180 22 66 between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays). If they want to speak to someone in their language, they can also call the Centrelink multilingual phone service on 131 202.

Services Australia staff are providing on-the-ground support and help with disaster assistance claiming in affected communities.

For up-to-date locations and hours, check servicesaustralia.gov.au/findusdisaster

Quotes attributable to Minister for Government Services, the Hon Bill Shorten:

“Services Australia continues to provide much needed support quickly to South East Queenslanders, with more than $13.5 million already reaching those affected by the devastating storms.

“I encourage anyone in an affected area to check their eligibility for disaster assistance through the Services Australia website and make a claim through myGov.

“If you can’t get online or you need help with a claim, Services Australia staff are available to assist. You can call 180 22 66 between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday to speak with a staff member.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt:

“This extension to additional suburbs is a vital step to help Queenslanders who experience the worst of this disaster relieve some of their immediate financial pressures.

“We know that there is more work to be done so we will also continue to work with the Queensland Government to support the long-term recovery, which will take time.

“Small business owners, primary producers and non-profits who were impacted and are yet to apply for grants are encouraged to hop on the Disaster Help website.

“Applications are also still open for worker income support, for residents who need assistance reconnecting essential services, and structural repairs for uninsured homeowners, so call the hotline or jump online to see what’s available.”