A $250 disaster payment for Territorians who have been without power for more than 72 hours due to Cyclone Fina will be available starting tomorrow, the NT Government has announced – which is the same amount offered to Cyclone Marcus victims more than seven years ago.
The payments are on top of the Federal Government’s disaster payments, which were announced on Monday.
The $250 payment can be accessed by anyone without power since the cyclone hit on Saturday.
“This payment will ensure that Territorians have a one-off payment to replace food in order to compensate families as the recovery continues,” Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said on Tuesday.
She did not explain why the $250 figure was the same amount offered to Cyclone Marcus victims in 2018, which average annual inflation rates show should be roughly $320 in today’s dollar value.
Residents can visit the “Welfare Recovery Centre” which has been set up at the Marrara indoor stadium on Abala Road to access the payments. This centre was struck to serve as a centralised resource where residents can access support payments, practical help, verified information, and referral services.
The process for applicants involves an interview conducted by recovery staff as part of the assessment, that will not be means-tested. Residents will be required to provide valid identification, proof of address, and confirmation that their power has been out at the specified address.
Power and Water Corporation will then validate whether the applicant’s home has been without electricity for the necessary 72 hours or more. Once this validation is complete, residents will receive a “payment card” immediately.
The government said payments will be issued through a standard debit card preloaded with a total of $250. This card is intended for use exclusively on food and essential items, and cannot be used to purchase alcohol or gambling products.
Additional financial assistance is available through the National Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements established between the Territory and Australian Governments. That support includes means-tested aid for low-income residents, which relies on assessments based on existing Centrelink income thresholds to ensure that assistance reaches those Territorians who need it most.
Disaster recovery funds from the Federal Government will also be available for individuals, small businesses, non-profit organisations and primary producers.
Territorians who have faced hardship from Cyclone Fina could qualify for funding of $611 per adult and an additional $309 per child in a family, the government said on Monday.
Low interest loans and freight services, subsidies for primary producers and additional assistance for not-for-profits is also being offered. More details are available at the Secure NT website.
Ms Finocchiaro said on Tuesday that temporary accommodation support will also be provided for residents who are forced to leave their homes if they are deemed uninhabitable.
This includes situations where toilets are inoperable, roofs have been destroyed, or the home is otherwise unsafe. Similar to the means-tested assistance, this category also aims to support individuals who may lack the financial capacity to sustain themselves during their displacement.
Application forms for extended recovery payments will be accessible online shortly.
Those in need of support or seeking information are invited to visit the Welfare Recovery Centre at Marrara or contact 1800 888 901.
