Assistance Surges: $15M Disaster Payments Delivered to Cyclone-Hit Far North Queensland, Australia

More than $15 million in Australian Government disaster assistance has been paid directly to people affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper in Far North Queensland, according to the Albanese Government. Over 13,600 claims for the Australian Government Disaster Payment (AGDRP) and the Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) have been processed. The AGDRP provides $1,000 to eligible adults and $400 to eligible children impacted by the floods. The DRA offers up to 13 weeks of income support to eligible employees and sole traders who have suffered income loss due to the disaster. These payments were activated for residents and workers in various Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Far North Queensland. Services Australia is facilitating the process, allowing individuals to check eligibility and claim assistance online or seek help over the phone. Additionally, Services Australia staff have been deployed to cyclone-affected areas to support affected individuals, while the Desert Rose mobile service center has been redirected to offer assistance in Mossman. In addition to direct support, a joint federal and state funding of $64 million was announced last week to aid in the recovery and resilience of communities affected by the cyclone.