Government Extends Support for NSW Communities Affected by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred
The Albanese Government has activated additional disaster recovery payments to support communities impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, including the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP).
This initiative, in partnership with the Minns Government, aims to provide financial relief for affected individuals and households, acknowledging the varied challenges that residents are facing in the wake of the disaster.
Joint Commonwealth-State Support Measures
✔ Personal Hardship Assistance:
- Available for individuals affected by power outages lasting 48+ hours or those who were under a Category Red Emergency Evacuation Order.
- Payments range from $180 to $900, depending on household size.
- Administered by NSW Government – eligibility details can be checked at Service NSW.
Commonwealth Government Assistance
✔ Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA):
- Provides up to 13 weeks of income support for workers and sole traders who have lost income due to the disaster.
- Administered by the Australian Government – check eligibility at Services Australia.
✔ Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP):
- For individuals who have suffered major damage to their home, serious injury, or loss of a loved one.
- Payments: $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child.
- Administered by the Australian Government – eligibility details available at Services Australia.
Affected Local Government Areas
✔ The AGDRP is now available in the following newly activated areas:
- Bellingen, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, and Richmond Valley.
✔ The payment was previously activated for: - Ballina, Byron, Lismore, Tweed, plus Yamba (Clarence Valley LGA) and Lillian Rock (Kyogle LGA).
✔ More areas may be added as further impact assessments are completed.
How to Apply for Assistance
📌 Claims for DRA and AGDRP open at 2 PM on Monday, 17 March 2025.
📌 Easiest way to apply: Online via MyGov or the MyGov app.
📌 Need help? Call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line at 180 22 66.
📌 Centrelink debt repayment adjustments: Affected individuals can pause or change repayments online via the “Money You Owe” service or call 1800 076 072.
Government Commitment to Recovery
Minister for Government Services Katy Gallagher reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting communities impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
“The Government remains focused on those who have been impacted. Recovery will take time, and we are providing this financial support to assist communities in rebuilding.”
Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister added:
“The recent tropical cyclone has caused widespread destruction, and the Albanese Government is ready to support local communities. The AGDRP is just one of the many payments available to help those affected recover.”
As assessments continue, the government has pledged ongoing support to ensure communities across NSW receive the assistance needed to rebuild and recover.
