• Support for Queenslanders impacted by bushfires has been extended to include Crossroads, Ducklo, Halliford, Kumbarilla, Marmadua, and Montrose.
• Individuals from these localities can now apply for $180 in emergency assistance, with up to $900 available for a family of five or more.
• These Personal Hardship Assistance grants are available to cover the costs of essential items like food, clothing and medicine.
• Uninsured residents can also access income-tested grants up to $5,000 per household through the Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme to inspect and reconnect damaged services like electricity, gas and water.

More Queenslanders whose homes have been impacted by recent bushfires can now access Personal Hardship Assistance.

The assistance, which provides $180 for individuals and up to $900 for a family of five to cover the costs of essential items such as food, clothing and medicine, is now available in Crossroads, Ducklo, Halliford, Kumbarilla, Marmadua, and Montrose.

Uninsured residents can also access income-tested grants up to $5,000 per household through the Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme to inspect and reconnect damaged services like electricity, gas and water.

Support is being provided through the joint Commonwealth-state funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt:

“The scenes and stories from the Queensland fires are heartbreaking. 

“My thoughts are with people who’ve lost loved ones and homes, and with those continue to battle the blazes.

“I urge people to follow the direction of local authorities and stay safe.

“The Albanese Government stands ready to support as required, and once the immediate danger has passed and we have had the opportunity to assess the damage, we will continue working with the Palaszczuk Government to identify how to best support the immediate and longer-term recovery.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Acting Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Meaghan Scanlon: 

“Extending this assistance to impacted localities of Crossroads, Ducklo, Halliford, Kumbarilla, Marmadua, and Montrose. will help residents whose properties have been damaged by these bushfires.

“I commend the coordinated efforts across our Queensland government agencies and the work of the Western Downs Regional Council and Toowoomba Regional Council in protecting communities impacted by bushfires.”

For more information on disaster assistance, eligibility and how to apply visit www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp.

To learn more about DRFA support head to the Queensland Reconstruction Authority website.

Media contacts: Minister Watt: Brock Taylor 0499 779 387 |Minister Scanlon: Amy Hunter 0423 651 484