The Queensland and Federal Governments have activated disaster assistance for victims of the storm that ripped through south-east Queensland Sunday afternoon.Brisbane was declared a natural disaster zone earlier this afternoon. The storm caused hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of damage and had locals comparing it to Cyclone Larry.
The Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements apply to Brisbane City, Moreton Bay, Scenic Rim, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Somerset, Logan City and the Sunshine Coast.
State Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said that the State Government is offering hardship grants of $165 per person and up to $765 per family.
He added that the hardship assistance is administered by the Department of Communities.
"It's jointly funded by both the Commonwealth and the State Government," he said.
There's a joint formula where we share the funding arrangements to support both individuals and also local councils in the extensive repair works that are often required after these events."
Mr Roberts says up to $10,000 for individuals and $13,000 for families may be available for repairs, or to replace home contents.
"It's one of the most powerful natural disaster events we've had for 25 years in this region," he said.
"I talked to SES volunteers today. The type of damage that we're seeing, particularly in the northern suburbs, the north-western suburbs, is very similar to what they saw up around Innisfail when Cyclone Larry came through."
Mr Roberts estimates around 4,000 homes have received some damage in the area.
"Three hundred of those quite seriously [damaged] and we estimate probably about 30 will be almost unliveable," he said.
Energex spokesman Mike Swanston says 30,000 homes and businesses are still without power.
"We will get a fair bit back on tonight, we are expecting to probably get 15,000 on tonight," he said.
Earlier, the Army responded to Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman's request for help by providing over 100 soldiers, and tomorrow 20 low-security prisoners will join the clean-up.
The Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements apply to Brisbane City, Moreton Bay, Scenic Rim, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Somerset, Logan City and the Sunshine Coast.
State Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said that the State Government is offering hardship grants of $165 per person and up to $765 per family.
He added that the hardship assistance is administered by the Department of Communities.
"It's jointly funded by both the Commonwealth and the State Government," he said.
There's a joint formula where we share the funding arrangements to support both individuals and also local councils in the extensive repair works that are often required after these events."
Mr Roberts says up to $10,000 for individuals and $13,000 for families may be available for repairs, or to replace home contents.
"It's one of the most powerful natural disaster events we've had for 25 years in this region," he said.
"I talked to SES volunteers today. The type of damage that we're seeing, particularly in the northern suburbs, the north-western suburbs, is very similar to what they saw up around Innisfail when Cyclone Larry came through."
Mr Roberts estimates around 4,000 homes have received some damage in the area.
"Three hundred of those quite seriously [damaged] and we estimate probably about 30 will be almost unliveable," he said.
Energex spokesman Mike Swanston says 30,000 homes and businesses are still without power.
"We will get a fair bit back on tonight, we are expecting to probably get 15,000 on tonight," he said.
Earlier, the Army responded to Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman's request for help by providing over 100 soldiers, and tomorrow 20 low-security prisoners will join the clean-up.
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