Media Release

FEDERAL Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has urged owners of homes that were damaged during cyclone Yasi to apply for their fair share of almost $190 million remaining in a public appeal fund.

“We are advised that of the $258 million that was raised by the Australian public and business community for the Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal, only $70 million has been distributed in the first two funding rounds,” said Mr Katter.

Mr Katter said there was less-restrictive eligibility criteria regarding the extent of damage to homes in the latest PDRA round, with applications closing on June 30.

“Under the round two guidelines, your principal place of residence had to have been totally destroyed or demolished – but under round three you may be eligible for up to $80,000 for structural damage,” he said.

However, other eligibility criteria remained the same – such as owners of damaged homes needing to have been occupying it as their principal place of residence at the time of the cyclone; and have an annual household income of less than $150,000. Owners of investment or holiday properties and renters are not eligible.

For further information on applying for PDRA assistance, phone 1800 173 349. Application forms can also be obtained online at www.qld.gov.au/floods/form.html or from government offices and community recovery centres, or from Mr Katter’s electorate offices at Innisfail and Mount Isa.