Sunshine Coast communities impacted by last week’s destructive storms have been activated for Personal Hardship Assistance, opening the door for eligible residents to access emergency support.
The assistance — funded jointly by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements — provides grants to help locals replace spoiled food or medicine, cover essential needs or repair damaged homes.
Residents across a wide stretch of the Sunshine Coast can now apply, including those in: Bald Knob, Belli Park, Beerwah, Caloundra, Caloundra West, Cambroon, Chevallum, Conondale, Coolum Beach, Doonan, Glasshouse, Kenilworth, Maleny, Marcoola, Maroochy River, Montville, Mount Coolum, Mudjimba, Ninderry, Pacific Paradise, Palmwoods, Peachester, Peregian, Peregian Springs, Reesville, Twin Waters, Warana and Yaroomba.
The expansion follows the earlier activation of support for 61 suburbs in Moreton Bay, which were heavily hit by giant hail and damaging winds.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the additional support reflects the widespread damage across south-east Queensland.
“The destruction from these storms was significant and it’s called for an equally strong response,” Minister McBain said.
“Long after severe weather has passed, we will be there for communities, and this expansion of hardship assistance in south-east Queensland highlights that commitment.”
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy urged anyone who thinks they may qualify to check now.
“These grants are crucial to get those impacted over the hump, so I urge residents in these activated areas to visit www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp and check their eligibility,” Minister Leahy said.
“Our Community Recovery Hotline is also available 24/7 on 1800 173 349, with government staff ready to talk you through the grants available and the application process.”
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Support options available for Sunshine Coast residents include:
Emergency Hardship Assistance: $180 per person, up to $900 for a family of five or more, for immediate essentials such as food, clothing and medicine.
Essential Services Hardship Assistance: $150 per person, up to $750 for a family of five or more, for residents who have lost essential services at home for more than five consecutive days.
Essential Household Contents Grants (income-tested): up to $1,765 for individuals and up to $5,300 for couples or families to replace destroyed essential household items including whitegoods and bed linen.
Structural Assistance Grants (income-tested): up to $80,000 for uninsured owner-occupiers to repair or replace a disaster-damaged dwelling so it is safe and habitable.
Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme (income-tested): up to $5,000 per household to reconnect damaged services such as electricity, gas, water or sewerage.
Applications for assistance can be made at www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp or via the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349, which operates 24/7 and can guide residents through eligibility and grant options.
