General News
28 November, 2025
Steep losses from hail storm, assistance available
An estimated 70 per cent of homes in Clifton were impacted by the massive hail storm at the start of the month, causing millions of dollars of damage.
Some statistics were provided in the Mayor’s Monthly Report from Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald in last week’s Ordinary Meeting of Council.
Mayor McDonald had joined with Alan Kelly, Regional Liaison Officer - Operations, Queensland Reconstruction Authority, TRC Chief Executive Officer, Sal Petroccitto OA and, Acting Local Disaster Controller, Hugh Dunne to tour the Clifton area, seeing the impact of the storm first-hand.
Mayor McDonald’s report said the severe storm affected approximately 700 homes
in Clifton, with an estimated 70 per cent impacted, including major roof failures in Clifton and Nobby.
Significant crop losses are estimated at up to $1 million, including barley, wheat and kale.
The storm has also caused geographical isolation due to damaged vehicles and lack of public transport, delays in insurance claims; emotional distress among children and elderly, loss of power and essential services and under-reporting due to self-reliance.
“Through operational service delivery and disaster management support to Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) agencies, Council has responded to immediate rectification matters, including over 100 State Emergency Service (SES) requests for assistance,” Mayor McDonald said.
“However, it has also emerged that due to the nature of the event, ongoing support is required for these communities.”
This support included the Community Hubs in Clifton, Nobby and Greenmount that were activated over the past two weeks.
A further report presented in the Ordinary Meeting of Council noted that storm damage was sustained to the Clifton Waste Management Facility during recent storm events, however, services have been maintained.
Another report noted that Council’s contractor is responding to bin maintenance and replace-ment requests in the township of Clifton associated with recent storm events.
Disaster assistance is now available
Residents in Clifton, Nobby and Greenmount who were affected by the storm at the start of this month can seek assistance for any personal and financial difficulties suffered.
Assistance through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) has been triggered.
Eligible works include removing debris, clearing culverts and drains, emergency road repairs and the reconstruction of failed assets, and activities to maintain public safety.
Those in need of counselling can contact the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on
1800 173 349 or visit qld.gov.au/disasterhelp
The DRFA in Queensland is managed by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, the state’s lead agency for disaster recovery and resilience.
