Last updated 12 March 2025, 12:30pm
Overview:
Tropical Cyclone Alfred made landfall north of Brisbane on March 6 as a Category 2 cyclone, bringing destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and significant flooding across Southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales. Some areas recorded over 700 mm of rain, leading to major river overflows and cutting off key transport routes. More than 80,000 homes lost power at the peak of the storm, and thousands of residents were evacuated. The cyclone has now weakened to a tropical low, but flooding and infrastructure damage are continuing to affect recovery efforts.
Support is available to affected businesses, communities and individuals.
Government Support
Federal Support
- Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA): Provides financial assistance to individuals, businesses, and communities affected by natural disasters. This includes support for the restoration of essential public assets, concessional loans for small businesses, and assistance for personal hardship. Read more here.
- Business Assistance for Disasters and Emergencies: Offers information on grants, loans, and other support available to businesses impacted by disasters. Read more here.
New South Wales Support
NSW Toolkit: New South Wales have prepared a toolkit with key safety and recovery messages, financial support information, clean-up guidance, mental health support, and essential updates from the NSW SES and NSW Reconstruction Authority. Access the toolkit | Read more
Queensland Support
- Community Recovery Support: Assistance for individuals and families affected by Cyclone Alfred, including financial aid and emotional support. Read more here.
- Find detailed guidance for your business, including recovery support and continuity planning. Read more here.
- If you have you been impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred in South East Queensland and need assistance, help is available. Please contact the 24/7 Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 to speak to a team member who will help you access available supports in your local area.
- If you are experiencing emotional stress, the dedicated Community Recovery Lifeline Hotline is also available to provide qualified disaster counselling. Call the Lifeline Hotline on 1800 116 671, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
QLD: 24-hr resupply expanded to ramp up flood recovery
The Queensland Government has expanded the emergency planning declaration to cover 21 local government areas. This allows essential services such as supermarkets, warehouses, and transport depots to operate 24/7 to support supply chain recovery.
New services have also been added to the extended Applicable Event Declaration, including service stations, abattoirs and food processing facilities.
Emergency Assistance
For Emergency Assistance:
- Queensland: State Emergency Service (SES) – 132 500
- New South Wales: State Emergency Service (SES) – 132 500
Businesses needing assistance with supply chain disruptions or recovery efforts are encouraged to reach out for support. Support is available via the Queensland Government and NSW Government.
The Queensland Government has declared an emergency event in response to Tropical Cyclone Alfred. This includes enabling essential retailers and suppliers to operate 24/7 to ensure the continued supply of essential goods. More information.
Staff Leave Entitlements
- Sick/Carer’s Leave: Employees (excluding casuals) may be entitled to paid sick or carer’s leave under the Fair Work Act if they are directly affected by the cyclone. This includes situations where an employee is injured or needs to care for a family member due to school or childcare closures.
- Community Service Leave: Employees who are members of recognised emergency management organisations may be entitled to unpaid leave if they are called to assist with cyclone response efforts.
Business Closures and Stand Downs
If your business is forced to close temporarily due to cyclone damage, power outages, or other impacts:
- You may offer employees the option to take accrued paid leave.
- In some cases, employers may be able to stand down employees where work is unavailable due to a natural disaster beyond their control. Employers are not required to pay employees during a stand-down but may choose to do so.
ARA members can access further advice on lawful stand downs under the Fair Work Act, by calling the ARA Employment Relations hotline on 1300 368 041.
