Support activated for flood-impacted Western Queensland communities

The Australian Government is providing further support for communities impacted by the flooding in Western Queensland – activating the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP).

The payment will be available for eligible resident in the Barcoo, Bulloo, Longreach, Paroo, Quilpie and Winton Local Government Areas – providing further support for these communities.

This event has impacted people in different ways.

The Australian Government is working closely with the Queensland Government to ensure that supports are available in response to the different challenges that people have experienced.

Commonwealth supports

• If a person has suffered the most serious impacts including major damage to their home, serious injury, or loss of a loved one as a result of severe weather, they may be eligible for the AGDRP which offers residents $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child.

Residents can check their eligibility for the AGDRP on the Services Australia Website(link is external).

Claims for the AGDRP will open at 2pm local time on Tuesday, 1 April 2025.

The quickest way to claim is online through myGov, or via the myGov app. If people need help to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.

To change or pause Centrelink debt repayments, affected people can do so online or in the mobile app (through the Money you owe service), or they can call 1800 076 072.

Joint Commonwealth-State supports

• If a person lost essential services such as power, gas, water or sewerage for more than 5 days, they may be eligible for the Essential Services Hardship Assistance: a payment of between $150 - $750 depending on household size.
• If a person needs help to cover the costs of emergency essentials like food clothing and medicine, they may be eligible for the Emergency Hardship Assistance: a payment of between $180 - $900 depending on household size.
• If a person lost essential household contents like bed linen or white goods, they may be eligible for the Essential Household Contents Grant: a payment of between $1,765 - $5,300 depending on household size.
• If a person’s home has become structurally unsafe to live in, they may be eligible for the Structural Assistance Grant: uninsured, low income owner occupiers can receive up to $80,000 to help repair home to make it safe, secure and habitable.

These payments are administered by the Queensland Government and people can check their eligibility on the Queensland Government Website(link is external).

As additional information about impacts becomes available, the government will consider other locations.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“At the worst of times we see the best of the Australian character, and we’re seeing that again in Queensland.

“These are tough times but Queenslanders are tougher. The stock losses in these communities will be particularly distressing.

 “We’ve got their back, which is why we’re rolling out support now to help communities get through these floods”.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Government Services Katy Gallagher

“The government is working hard to support impacted communities in western Queensland during this difficult time.

“The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment will help eligible residents who have experienced severe impacts like major damage to their home.

“Services Australia staff are well practiced in supporting the community during times of emergency and will work round the clock to process claims as quickly as possible.

“I encourage people in the impacted areas to check their eligibility for payments on Services Australia’s website.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister

“We know the current flooding in western Queensland has impacted people in different ways. We’re working closely with the Queensland Government to ensure that there are a range of payments available to meet different needs.  

“As we are receiving information about impacts, we are acting quickly to make financial assistance available for people and families who need it.

“We will continue working hand in glove with the Queensland Government to support impacted communities through this event and into recovery."