Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred | Grants & Financial Assistance
If you have been affected by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, disaster response funding may be available to you. Below we outline the important financial assistance and disaster grants of which QLD & NSW residents who were impacted by Cyclone Alfred should be aware of. Each state has several grants on offer to affected residents, depending upon the extent of the damage or loss suffered.
AVAILABLE GRANTS & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE (PER STATE)
QLD: The Essential Services Hardship Assistance Grant (ESHA) is available for those who have lost one or more essential services (electricity, gas, water, or sewage) at their home. To be eligible for this grant, the loss of the essential service must be for longer than 5 consecutive days and be due to the disaster.
If eligible, you can apply for $150 per person, up to $750 for a family of 5 or more, to assist with your immediate requirements following the loss of these essential service/s at your home. Click HERE for more information on the QLD ESHA Grant.
NSW: If you lived in a property impacted by the disaster event, on 3 March 2025, and lost power for 48 hours or longer, or have been subject to an Evacuation Order caused by the disaster, you may be eligible for the NSW Personal Hardship Assistance.
If eligible, you can apply for a one-off $180 payment per individual, and a $180 payment per dependent (max of 4 dependents). Click HERE for more information on the NSW Personal Hardship Assistance.
FEDERAL ALLOWANCE (PER STATE)
The Australia Government has numerous resources and support systems for disaster recovery. This is inclusive of the Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA). The DRA is a short-term payment to help if Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, directly affects or affected your income in March 2025.
Individuals may be eligible for a maximum of 13 weeks of payment which is calculated at the maximum equivalent rate of JobSeeker Payment or Youth Allowance, depending on personal circumstances.
It is important to understand eligibility conditions and requirements for your state of residence. More information is linked below.
QLD: Click HERE for more information on DRA for Queensland.
NSW: Click HERE for more information on DRA for New South Wales.
These schemes currently on offer are only applicable for individuals or sole traders (not business entities). As such, do not forget to review if your policies of insurance cover any loss or damage suffered from this event and if so, lodge any claim with your insurer promptly.
Our thoughts go out to the people, families and businesses that have suffered during this natural disaster. We hope these resources provide some assistance for any individuals facing hardship from the effects of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
We are thankful that both our Brisbane and Byron Bay offices were not affected and have returned to business as usual. Should you have any questions regarding business or taxation support during this time, our team would be more than happy to assist you.
Have more questions? Call or click to discuss with a Macro Group team member.
The Macro Group Team
Date: 13/03/2025
The Macro Group Limited AFSL:485843 Tax Agent Number 24 76 5236.
The information in this article contains general information only. We have not taken into consideration any of your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before taking any action, you should consider whether the general advice contained in this communication is appropriate to you having regard to your circumstances and needs, and seek appropriate professional advice if you think you need it. We recommend that you consult a licensed or authorised financial adviser if you require financial advice that takes into account your personal circumstances.