Qld weather: Qld’s summer weather disasters could cost more than $2bn

Storm impacted residents across the entire Gold Coast Council area can now apply for hardship grants up to $900, as the Treasurer reveals weather disasters in Queensland’s far north and the south will cost at least $2bn in economic loss.

Storm impacted residents across the entire Gold Coast council area are now eligible to apply for personal hardship grants worth up to $900 for a family due to “widespread” impact of the freak natural disaster.

It comes as Treasurer Cameron Dick revealed Queensland’s dual devastating disasters in the Far North and southeast will cost at least $2bn in economic loss and through the rebuild.

But the eye watering figures are only preliminary he warned, with the likelihood of increases authorities get a better understanding of the total damage.

Treasurer Cameron Dick says at least $500m would be needed for road reconstruction. Picture: Steve Pohlner

“We know there’ll be at least $1bn that will need to be invested to restore essential infrastructure like roads and rail systems,” Mr Dick said.

“At least $500 million of that will go towards road reconstruction. But this is a very early estimate.”

Mr Dick revealed at least 800 homes had been damaged to varying degrees in Far North Queensland, with 500 homes and rising impacted in the southeast.

He said there had also been 6000 insurance claims in far north Queensland and 42,000 and rising in southeast Queensland.

A car found washed off Clagiraba Weir in the Gold Coast hinterland after heavy rains and flash flooding. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Despite the huge expected cost of recovery Mr Dick said he was not concerned “at this stage” about the impact to Queensland’s budget.

“Our budget is in a strong position … but it will have an impact on economy activity in Queensland, which is why we want those businesses particularly those tourism businesses to get back on their feet as quickly as possible,” he said.

The federal and state governments have confirmed impacted residents across 18 more Gold Coast suburbs are now eligible for personal hardship grants with the expansion.

The newly activated suburbs include Benowa, Broadbeach, Broadbeach Waters, Bundall, Clear Island Waters, Gilberton, Highland Park, Jacobs Well, Main Beach, Mermaid Beach, Mermaid Waters, Norwell, Southern Moreton Bay Islands, Stapylton, Steiglitz, Surfers Paradise, Woongoolba and Yatala.

More than 647,000 people live in the Gold Coast LGA.

“The extent of the damage from wild storms that tore through the Gold Coast has quickly become apparent, and our hearts go out to all those affected.” Federal Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt said.

“Extending the Personal Hardship Assistance Scheme to the entire City of Gold Coast is an acknowledgment of the impact these storms have had, and the need for targeted disaster support for those impacted by the storms over the past fortnight.”