The Australian Government has activated direct payments of additional disaster assistance for communities in Queensland and Northern NSW hit by flooding as a result of recent heavy rainfall.

The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) of $1000 per adult and $400 per child will be made available through Centrelink to people who have been impacted by flooding in disaster declared areas.

Mr McClelland flew into Moree to see firsthand the damage done by recent flood events yesterday.

“You can’t really comprehend the damage done by these types of events until you see it with your own eyes,” Mr McClelland said.

“These recent floods have broken records, left thousands isolated and have caused mass evacuations in some towns,” Mr McClelland said.

The minister was escorted around the perimeter of Moree via helicopter with Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton.

“The damage done by this flood is devastating,” Mr Coulton said.

According to Mr McClelland the Australian Government is working closely with the Queensland and NSW Governments in this unfolding flood situation, to make sure affected communities get any necessary Commonwealth assistance immediately.

The one-off AGDRP will be provided to eligible people adversely affected by the continuing heavy rains and flooding that have hit inland Queensland and northern NSW in the past week.

“We are here to help,” Mr McClelland said.

Mr McClelland said with families unable to return to their homes, and thousands more with major damage to their homes, this swift and direct payment will go some way to helping people get on with the job of cleaning up and restoring their homes.