More SEQ communities granted hardship support after severe storms

Residents in more parts of south-east Queensland can now access emergency hardship grants following the recent wild storms that caused significant damage and power outages across the region. Personal Hardship Assistance has been extended under joint Commonwealth–state disaster funding to help individuals and families replace essential items and restore critical services.

Key storm-affected regions

The latest activation of assistance covers additional localities in the Somerset, Gympie and Sunshine Coast local government areas. These are communities hit by intense storms and hail that damaged homes, cut power and disrupted everyday life.

• Gympie Region: Coondoo, Goomborian, Imbil, Kandanga, Traveston, Wolvi
• Somerset Region: Borallon, Hazeldean, Sandy Creek, Wanora
• Sunshine Coast: Buderim, Cooloolabin, Crohamhurst, Kuluin, Meridan Plains, North Arm, Pelican Waters

What support is available

Eligible residents in these areas can apply for Personal Hardship Assistance grants to help with urgent recovery needs such as replacing spoiled food and medicines or paying to reconnect essential services like electricity. Grants start at $180 per eligible individual and go up to $900 for a family of five or more, providing immediate relief while longer-term repairs are organised.

Support for local councils

On top of individual support, Gympie Regional Council has been activated for additional disaster recovery funding to repair essential public assets and cover counter-disaster operations. This helps councils restore damaged infrastructure such as local roads and community facilities, ensuring services can return to normal as quickly as possible.

Government commitment to recovery

The Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain, and Queensland’s Minister for Disaster Recovery, Ann Leahy, have both reaffirmed that the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments will continue working together to identify impacted areas and extend support where needed. Their focus is on helping the hardest-hit communities get back on their feet and restoring a sense of normal life as soon as possible.

How to apply for assistance

Residents in the activated localities are encouraged to check their eligibility and apply for support as soon as they can. Applications and full details on grants, eligibility criteria and payment processes are available through Queensland’s official disaster recovery information portal at www.disaster.qld.gov.au.