Affected by the VIC Bushfires or QLD Floods?

Nijo Antony
Jan 19
3 min read

Updated: Jan 26

Financial Assistance Is Available Now.

This summer has been exceptionally challenging for communities across Australia from the devastating bushfires in Victoria to the severe flooding across northern Queensland. Many families, farmers, and businesses have faced significant losses, including property, livestock, and income.

The good news is that the Australian and State Governments have put a range of financial relief programs in place to help those impacted begin rebuilding and recovery.

Victoria Bushfires - Financial Assistance Available Now

Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP)

This is a one-off, non-taxable lump sum payment for individuals directly affected by the Victorian bushfires.

Who can claim?

Your home or major household assets were destroyed or severely damaged
You suffered serious injury
A close family member died or is reported missing due to the fires

Payment amounts:

$1,000 per adult
$400 per child under 16

How to claim:

Submit your application via myGov (Centrelink). You may be required to provide supporting documents.

Income Support (Disaster Recovery Allowance)

If your income has been reduced as a result of the bushfires including through business interruptions you may be eligible for temporary income support paid for up to 13 weeks.

The Victorian Government has also activated a range of emergency relief measures, including recovery hubs, financial support payments, housing assistance, counselling, and practical services to aid affected individuals and families.

Queensland Floods - Income and Hardship Support

For those impacted by the intense rainfall and flooding in North Queensland (Dec 2025 - Jan 2026):

Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA)

Available to individuals who have suffered a loss of income due to the floods
Payable for up to 13 weeks
Please note this payment is taxable and must be reported in your tax return

Queensland Government Support

Personal Hardship Assistance Grants
Clean-up and recovery aid programs
Community Recovery Hotline: 1800 173 349

Critical Support for Primary Producers and Rural Businesses

We understand that farmers and primary producers have been exceptionally hard hit by these disasters. Both federal and state governments have committed significant funding to assist recovery efforts in affected rural communities.

Federal & Joint Funding Programs

In Queensland, substantial joint funding packages target flood-affected communities, with millions dedicated to:

Helping small businesses and primary producers recover
Providing mental health support
Facilitating rebuilding efforts

Disaster relief often includes income replacement payments (such as the DRA) and recovery grants even for farm households.

State-Level Grants & Loans in Queensland (QRIDA)

The Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) administers several targeted programs designed for farmers and agribusinesses, including:

Disaster Assistance Loans to support re-establishing operations
Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants to cover costs for clean-up, fencing, materials, livestock handling, and other recovery expenses

Visit the QRIDA website or contact them directly to explore eligibility based on your area and damage assessment.

What You Should Do Now

Confirm if your area has been officially declared a disaster zone
Log in to your myGov account and start your claim promptly
Document all losses carefully, photos, invoices, income records
Act quickly: delays may affect your eligibility
Seek guidance if you’re unsure about any steps

Please Share This And Contact Us for Support

If you know anyone impacted by these disasters especially farmers, primary producers, small business owners, contractors, or employees please share this information with them.

At WLW Group, we are here to assist with: