In the aftermath of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, southeast Queensland is experiencing a surge in insurance claims, with over 41,000 filed to date. Many of these claims pertain to residential damage, alongside nearly 1,700 from businesses. Jake Ellwood, CEO of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, noted that various areas are facing unique challenges in the recovery process.
To assist affected residents, the federal government is providing disaster recovery payments of AUD 1,000 for adults and AUD 400 for children in eligible regions, including Logan, Gold Coast, Redland City, and parts of the Fraser Coast. Additionally, state government emergency hardship payments of AUD 180 are being distributed. However, areas like Brisbane, Moreton Bay, and Lockyer Valley are not included in this assistance despite suffering severe flash flooding.
Brisbane’s Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner, highlighted instances where rising creeks inundated properties, and others where rain caused roofs to leak. Federal officials are currently assessing the damage to determine whether to extend support to these areas.
Wind gusts during the cyclone even shattered windows at a restaurant in Southport, raising concerns among local business owners. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, as stated by Sidney Kin, the owner of the affected restaurant.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate reported that around 18,000 residents were still without power following the storm, although the utility company Energex aims to restore full service by Sunday. Meanwhile, some beaches, including Greenmount, Coolangatta, and Burleigh, have reopened, and efforts are underway to restore others in time for the Easter holidays.
The combined challenges of property damage and power outages underscore the significant impact of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred on southeast Queensland communities, prompting ongoing recovery efforts as residents begin to assess and rebuild from the storm’s devastation.