Updates On Cyclone Kirrily And Assistance Post Cyclone Jasper

The Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works stands ready to assist people who may be affected by the impact of the impending weather event.

Help will be available to anyone who needs housing support, including people who rent and homeowners. The priority will be as always to ensure all residents have safe and secure accommodation.

Residents are urged to follow any local safety messages and take precautions to stay safe as the weather event develops. For emergency maintenance issues they can call 1800 808 107.

As the cyclone approaches and impacts areas it may be necessary for some Housing Service Centres and Housing Hubs to close to ensure the safety of staff. Details of closures as they occur will be provided at qld.gov.au/housing or people can call their local Housing Service Centres to confirm they are open or to seek help on the phone. During this time, people can still contact 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or visit http://www.qld.gov.au/housinghelp for housing assistance. If you are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness, contact the Homeless Hotline for free on 1800 474 753 (24/7).

Housing Assistance Post Cyclone Jasper

Help is available to anyone who needs housing support, including people who rent and homeowners.

Housing staff have been on the ground working with affected locals since the event. Locals in housing need should make contact with their nearest housing service centre or recovery hub, or contact 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or visit www.qld.gov.au/housinghelp.

Anyone who is experiencing or at risk of homelessness, can contact the Homeless Hotline for free on 1800 474 753 (24/7). Anyone requiring housing assistance, even if they are outside of an identified disaster area, can contact their local Housing Service Centre during business hours. To find your local HSC, visit www.qld.gov.au/housing/public-community-housing/housing-service-centre or call 13 QGOV (13 74 68). 

Financial assistance is available for eligible residents affected by ex-TC Jasper and flooding across Far North Queensland. For more information, including eligibility criteria and how to apply for grants, visit www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp or call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

Assistance for Businesses Affected

If your business has been affected by recent storms or floods, there's a range of support available to help you get your business back up and running.

Under the Small Business Disaster Relief Program, current financial support for small businesses include:

For South East Queensland (Severe storms 24 December 2023 – 3 January 2024)

Small businesses in eligible local government areas may be able to access:

• extraordinary disaster assistance recovery grants of up to $50,000
• disaster assistance loans of up to $250,000
• disaster assistance (essential working capital) loans of up to $100,000

Complete the natural disaster business survey to advise what assistance you may need.

You and your employees may be eligible for a disaster recovery allowance if your income has been affected by the disaster.

For Far Northern Queensland affected by Tropical Cyclone Jasper (13–28 December 2023)

Small businesses in eligible local government areas may be able to access:

• extraordinary disaster assistance recovery grants of up to $50,000
• disaster assistance loans of up to $250,000
• disaster assistance (essential working capital) loans of up to $100,000.

Complete the natural disaster business survey to advise what assistance you may need.

You and your employees may be eligible for a disaster recovery allowance if your income has been affected by the disaster.