Susanna Freymark
A new disaster payment has been announced for people in certain areas who had serious damage to their home, injury or loss of a loved one as a result of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment is a one-off $1000 grant for an eligible adult and $400 for an eligible child. This is a Federal Government payment, not state.
This payment is based on geography and the hardest hit areas.
It includes the Local Government Areas of Ballina, Byron, Lismore and Tweed as well as Yamba in the Clarence Valley and Lillian Rock in the Kyogle LGA.
It does not include Richmond Valley — areas such as Coraki, West Bungawalbin and Bungawalbin still have floodwater.
Richmond Valley mayor Robert Mustow said he raised the issue with Premier Chris Minns and Senator Jenny McAllister today, Thursday, March 13.
State MP Richie Williamson has urged the premier to intervene and ensure all impacted communities in Richmond Valley receive financial assistance.
“The $180 hardship payment per individual (and up to $900 per family) is a welcome relief,” Mr Williamson said.
Many communities across Richmond and Clarence valleys including Broadwater, Coraki, Woodburn have been heavily impacted, he said.
Mr Williamson is also calling for immediate grants — not just concessional loans — for primary producers “who have suffered losses across the sugar cane, beef, dairy, soybean, forestry and fishing industries.”
Mr Williamson also highlighted the strict eligibility criteria set by the Federal Government that individuals must meet to access the Disaster Recovery Payment.
To be eligible, you must have been directly affected by thedisaster, including one or more of the following:
- Major damage to your principal place of residence.
- Major damage to a major asset or assets that you own at your principal place of residence.
- Serious injury.
- An immediate family member who is an Australian citizen or resident has died or is missing.
Residents can check their eligibility for this disaster payment and the Disaster Recovery Allowance on the Services Australia website. You have until September 11 to make a claim.
