$15 Million Recovery Fund Launched to Aid Cyclone-Affected Communities

The cyclone’s centre is expected to cross the coast on the morning of March 8, with southeast Queensland and northern NSW already feeling its effects. 

People watch record-breaking waves as the outer fringe of Tropical Cyclone Alfred started whipping eastern Australia, in Coolangatta on the Gold Coast on March 6, 2025. David Gray/AFP via Getty Images

A $15 million Community Recovery Support Fund, jointly backed by the Albanese and Minns Governments, has been established to help NSW councils recover from the impact of Cyclone Alfred.

The fund, designed for immediate post-cyclone aid, offers councils up to $1 million to help assess and address the damage.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted the importance of being prepared.

“We are providing assistance now, but also have this future support on standby, ready to roll should recovery and cleanup work be needed in the immediate aftermath,” he said.

NSW Premier Chris Minns echoed these sentiments, calling the fund a “pre-emptive step” to assist local councils in managing the disaster.

“Councils are helping their communities prepare for the onslaught, and this will help them in the aftermath,” he stated.

The fund will support a range of essential recovery activities, including immediate clean-up efforts and the restoration of critical community infrastructure.

Severe Weather Threatens Millions in NSW and Queensland

The cyclone’s centre is expected to cross the coast on the morning of March 8, with southeast Queensland and northern NSW already feeling its effects.

The category two system is expected to intensify as it reaches the coast and nearby islands, increasing the potential damage.

The Northern Rivers region of NSW has already experienced heavy rainfall, with up to 200mm inland from Coffs Harbour.

These conditions are expected to worsen as the storm progresses. Coastal regions are at high risk of flooding and storm damage, and authorities have issued evacuation orders for affected areas.

As the cyclone moves south, evacuation orders have extended as far as the Nambucca Shire, located over 400km south of the Queensland-NSW border. Residents in these areas have been warned of rising river levels and increasing flood risks.

Power outages have affected nearly 76,000 customers in both states, with approximately 40,000 customers losing power north of the Tweed, and another 36,000 south of the border.

These outages highlight the widespread impact of the storm, as communities brace for the full force of Cyclone Alfred.

With flood warnings in place and evacuation orders ongoing, local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and encourage residents to stay alert.