Debbie relief assistance ends on Sunday
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by jarredsferruzzi
RELIEF assistance totalling more than $12million has been paid out in the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac local government areas since Cyclone Debbie hit on March 28.
In that time, at least 70,000 people have accessed relief assistance grants in North Queensland.
While many packages are still available, applications for the immediate hardship assistance and essential services grants, which provide up to $900 for urgent needs, will close on Sunday.
Applications escalated quickly in the immediate aftermath of the cyclone but have since eased as the State Government is expected to move to the next phase of community recovery operations.
Despite the Sunday deadline, other assistance grants remain open, covering individuals, farmers, businesses and community organisations.
Although relief assistance requests have eased, insurance claims have increased. Total insured losses due to the cyclone and its impact have risen to $756million from 50,056 claims.
"Those figures are likely to rise further over coming weeks as more claims are lodged and damage assessments completed,” an Insurance Council of Australia spokesperson said.
"Insurers are paying out more than $2million a day in emergency repairs, temporary accommodation, hire cars and other emergency assistance for policyholders.”
About 91% of all lodged insurance claims were in Queensland.
People who are experiencing personal hardship due to Debbie should download and use the self-recovery app, go to www.qld.gov.au/communityrecovery or contact the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.
Remaining relief packages and expiry dates:
INDIVIDUALS
Immediate Hardship Assistance - April 23
Immediate Hardship Assistance - Essential Services - April 23
Essential Household Contents Grant - March 28, 2018
Structural Assistance Grant - March 28, 2018
Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme - March 28, 2018
Disaster Recovery Payment - September 30
Disaster Recovery Allowance - September 30
New Zealand ex-gratia disaster recovery payment - September 30
New Zealand ex-gratia income support allowance - September 30
FARMERS
Natural Disaster Assistance (Concessional Loans) for Primary Producers - 2024
Essential Working Capital Loans Scheme for Primary Producers - 2024
Freight Subsidies to Primary Producers - unknown
BUSINESSES
Natural Disaster Assistance (Concessional Loans) for Small Business - 2024
Essential Working Capital Loans Scheme for Small Business - 2024
ORGANISATIONS
Natural Disaster Assistance (Concessional Loan and Grant Packages) for Non-Profit Organisations - 2024
Essential Working Capital Loans Scheme for Non-Profit Organisations - 2024
RACQ Foundation Community Grants - June 13
