Assistance for residents affected by heavy rainfall and flooding in southern Gladstone

Immediate Hardship Assistance and support services are now available to residents directly affected by recent heavy rainfall and flooding in the southern suburbs of Gladstone.

Communities Minister Shannon Fentiman said 19 Ready Reserve staff were already being deployed to affected areas to provide outreach to local residents and help them access grants and the support they need to assist with their recovery.

“As recovery efforts get underway, I would encourage everyone in the affected areas with access to a smart device to download the Self Recovery app for information or to arrange any assistance they may need,” she said.

“This app has vital tips on what to do after this type of weather event has hit your area and you can apply for assistance or support service quickly and easily.

“You can also use the Community Recovery online portal at www.communityrecovery.qld.gov.au to apply online for grants and support services.

“Residents without internet access can ring the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 to get information or apply for grants and access to support services over the phone.

“Queenslanders can get the latest information, apply for grants and receive referrals for community organisations and other government agencies, with minimal disruption to their clean-up efforts via the app, online portal or the hotline.”

Suburbs activated include Agnes Water, Bororen, Boyne Valley, Captain Creek, Colosseum, Deepwater, Euleilah, Lowmead (incl. Baffle Creek), Miriam Vale, Rosedale, Seventeen Seventy and Turkey Beach.

Ms Fentiman said outreach teams would be on the ground in the affected areas as soon as possible once roads opened and floodwaters subsided.

“The Queensland Government is committed to providing the help that Queenslanders affected by this weather event need,” she said.

“We are determined to ensure the right assistance goes to the right people at the right time.

“Grants are designed to meet people’s immediate needs, including accommodation and food.”

The payment is available to claim for seven days following the approval of the grants for disaster.

Subject to these criteria, applicants may receive $180 per person up to $900 for a family of five or more.

People who are experiencing personal hardship due to this heavy rainfall and flooding should contact the Community Recovery Hotline of 1800 173 349 or go to http://www.qld.gov.au/community for further information.

Download the Self Recovery app at https://www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies/recovery-after-disaster/

ENDS 

Media Contact:     Ron Goodman     0427 781 920