Federal government adds more suburbs to grants list, but Herbert MP Phillip Thompson says it is not enough

More suburbs have been granted federal government flood support but an NQ leader says anything but blanket coverage for all of Townsville isn’t good enough. See what suburbs are now eligible for cash >>

Saturday February 1. Heavy rain lashes Townsville causing flash flooding. Erin Hollaway locks up a gate in Camgulia Street, Mt Louisa. Picture: Evan Morgan

More suburbs have been granted federal government flood support but Herbert MP Phillip Thompson says anything but blanket coverage for all of Townsville isn’t good enough.

While the government’s Disaster Recovery Payment covers all of Hinchinbrook, it has only selected some Townsville suburbs.

The grant is a one-off recovery payment that is not means tested, worth $1000 for eligible adults and $400 per child.

Added to the list on Friday were Annandale, Belgian Gardens, Heatley, Hermit Park, Rowes Bay, Vincent and Wulguru.

Originally, just Balgal Beach, Bluewater Park, Giru and Paluma were included.

Government Services Minister Katy Gallagher said she had been on the ground in North Queensland, hearing from impacted people.

“We have listened and that is why we are extending this important payment to more areas in the flood affected regions,” she said.

Saturday February 1. Car partly submerged in Camgulia Street, Mt Louisa. Picture: Evan Morgan

However, Mr Thompson said there were still people missing out.

“In Pimlico, I helped evacuate a lady who was in a wheelchair whose house was flooded,” he said.

“She’s still not back in her home due to water damage to her property.

“People in Kirwan lost the majority of their children’s clothes and toys. They had to leave their house because of water inundation.”

Mr Thompson said all parts of Townsville had been impacted by flooding or mould damage.

“For people to sit in Canberra and throw a dart on a map and say this group can now be covered is not good enough,” he said.

“This is the first time a government has decided to pick winners and losers.”

Emergency Management Minister Jenny McAllister said it had been a difficult time for North and Far North communities.

“The AGDRP and DRA are two of a range of measures we have activated to assist flood impacted residents begin their recovery,” she said.

“Depending on your circumstances you may be eligible for some payment types and not others.”

The government has also extended the coverage of the Disaster Recovery Allowance grants to cover Barcaldine, Blackall-Tambo, Boulia, Cloncurry, Diamantina, Hope Vale, Kowanyama, Longreach, McKinlay, Northern Peninsula Area, Pormpuraaw, Richmond and Winton.

To be eligible, a person’s income must have fallen below the average Australian weekly pay as a result of the floods.

Before claiming, people can check their eligibility on the Services Australia website servicesaustralia.gov.au/disastersupport

Originally published as Federal government adds more suburbs to grants list, but Herbert MP Phillip Thompson says it is not enough