Defined localities in:
- Arriga
- Chewko
- Dimbulah
- Glen Russell
- Irvinebank
- Mutchilba
- Paddys Green
- Watsonville
North Queensland Fires October 2023
Personal hardship financial assistance is now available for Queensland communities impacted by bushfires in North Queensland.
If you have been affected by this event, you can:
- check which areas have been impacted
- check if you're eligible for financial assistance
- find out about the different grants available
- locate your nearest Community Recovery Hub
- access brochures for key community support contacts in your area
- find out about other support services available.
Eligible areas
Financial assistance is available for people who were affected by this event in these areas:
Defined localities in:
- Herberton
- Innot Hot Springs
- Kalunga
- Millstream
- Moomin
- Mount Garnet
- Silver Valley.
Assistance provided through the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Check your eligibility
You need to be aged 18 years or older to complete an online application and have:
- Identification (ID)—Driver licence and Medicare card
Note: If you do not have these, other forms of ID are accepted. Call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349. - Bank account details.
- A valid email address.
If you are under the age of 18, please contact the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 to obtain advice on how to lodge an application.
Complete this form to find out what financial assistance you may be eligible for.
Start typing and select the address from the list. If your address does not appear, select Enter address manually, and complete each field for your address.
Unfortunately you are not eligible for any of the Queensland Government grants available for this event.
The Australian Government may also be offering disaster recovery payments.
To find other support services available visit the Recovery Connect website.
Available grants
The following grants have been activated for this event. To find out which of these grants you may be eligible for, complete the form above.
The Essential Household Contents Grant is to replace essential lost household contents, such as bed linen and white goods. This grant may be available if you:
- live in the affected area
- own the items that have been lost
- own or rent the affected residence
- are uninsured or unable to claim insurance
- meet the income limits.
We will visit your home to assess the damage. We will need photographic evidence if items must be disposed of.
Grant amount:
- $1,765 for individuals
- up to $5,300 for couples or families.
More information about the Essential Household Contents Grant.
The Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme (ESSRS) is to help with for safety inspection and repairs to reconnect essential services e.g. gas, water, electricity and sewage. This grant may be available if you:
- live in the affected area
- have had your essential services disconnected
- own and live in the affected residence
- are uninsured or unable to claim insurance
- meet the income limits.
We will visit your home to assess the damage.
Grant amount:
- Inspection costs—$200 for safety inspection for water, electricity, gas and sewage.
- $4,200 for repairs or replacement of these services.
More information about the Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme.
The Structural Assistance Grant is to help with structural repairs or contribution towards replacement of dwelling. This grant may be available if:
- you live in the affected area
- you own and live in the affected residence
- your home has become structurally unsafe to live in
- are uninsured or unable to claim insurance
- meet the income limits.
We will visit your home to assess the damage.
Grant amount:
Uninsured, low income, owner-occupiers may receive up to a maximum of $80,000 to help repair your home to make it safe, secure and habitable.
The Australian Government may also be offering support. For more information about the disaster recovery payments visit the Services Australia website.
To find other support services available visit the Recovery Connect website.
Transport and motoring assistance
You can apply for help with vehicle registration, licensing and other transport and motoring products.
Community Recovery Hubs
Community Recovery Hubs are a place where residents who are experiencing hardship can apply for grants and obtain emotional and wellbeing support. Our Community Recovery workers will assist with grant applications and offer referrals to other community organisations and government agencies for further assistance.
There are no active Community Recovery hubs for this event. For assistance, please call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.