Financial Support Available for Communities Affected by Cyclone Alfred

The Albanese Government has announced financial relief for individuals and businesses impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred through the Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA). This initiative is designed to provide crucial income support for those facing financial hardship due to the disaster.

What is the Disaster Recovery Allowance?

The Disaster Recovery Allowance offers up to 13 weeks of income support for eligible workers and sole traders who have suffered a loss of income as a direct result of Cyclone Alfred. The amount received depends on an individual's personal circumstances and is intended to help bridge financial gaps during the recovery period.

Who is Eligible?

To qualify for the Disaster Recovery Allowance, individuals must:

✔️ Live or work in a declared disaster area
✔️ Have lost some or all of their income due to the cyclone
✔️ Have an income that has fallen below the Australian weekly average due to the disaster

Declared Disaster Areas

The Disaster Recovery Allowance is available to residents and workers in the following areas:

Queensland – 14 Local Government Areas

• Brisbane
• Fraser Coast
• Gold Coast
• Gympie
• Ipswich
• Lockyer Valley
• Logan
• Moreton Bay
• Noosa
• Redland
• Scenic Rim
• Somerset
• Southern Downs
• Sunshine Coast

New South Wales – 17 Local Government Areas

• Armidale
• Ballina
• Bellingen
• Byron
• Clarence Valley
• Coffs Harbour
• Dungog
• Glen Innes Severn
• Kempsey
• Kyogle
• Lismore
• Mid-Coast
• Nambucca
• Port Macquarie-Hastings
• Richmond
• Tenterfield
• Tweed
• Lord Howe Island (including nearby islands within a 3-nautical-mile radius)

How to Apply

📅 Applications open at 2:00 PM local time on Tuesday, 11 March.

🔹 Check eligibility: Before applying, individuals should visit the Services Australia website to confirm their eligibility.
🔹 How to claim: The easiest way to apply is online through myGov.
🔹 Need help? Call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line at 180 22 66 for assistance with your claim.

State Government Assistance for Tropical Cyclone Alfred

In addition to federal support, state government assistance is also available for those affected by Cyclone Alfred. Depending on your location, you may be eligible for relief through the Queensland or NSW State Government.

Queensland: Financial support is available for individuals, businesses, and communities recovering from the disaster.
👉 Learn about Queensland Government Support

New South Wales: A Natural Disaster Declaration has been made, providing financial assistance for residents, businesses, and primary producers.
👉 Learn about NSW Government Support

For those impacted by Cyclone Alfred, this support provides much-needed financial relief during the rebuilding phase. If you or someone you know has been affected, please share this information to ensure everyone gets the assistance they need. 💙