Grants and support for Innisfail residents affected by floods

Financial assistance and support services are available to people directly affected by flooding in areas of Innisfail.

Communities Minister Coralee O’Rourke said community recovery efforts were being expanded to parts of Far North Queensland following this flooding event.

“As flood waters start to recede, the extent of the flooding across the Cassowary Coast region has become clearer,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“We know that many Innisfail residents have been badly affected by this flooding and will need Emergency Hardship Grants to help meet their immediate needs.

“Eligible applicants can receive $180 per person, up to $900 for a family of five or more, to replace essential items like food, clothing and medications or to help cover the costs of alternative accommodation if they can’t live at home.”

The suburbs and areas of Innisfail that have been activated for financial assistance are:

• Webb (Corinda Street (east from Sherwood Street), Hilda Street, Jodrell Street, Marjorie Street, Payne Street, Alba Street, Duffy Street, Florence Street, Brownlee Street, Howe Street, River Road, Sherwood Street, Esplanade)
• East Innisfail (Bliss Street, Cahill Street, Webb Crescent)
• South Innisfail (Bliss Street, Louis Road).

Mrs O’Rourke said other grants such the Essential Household Contents Grant and Structural Assistance Grant, which are income tested, are also available to eligible residents in these areas who are uninsured and have experienced certain loss or damage following this disaster.

“Anyone affected by this flooding event can download the Self Recovery app for information or to apply for grants, including Emergency Hardship Grants,” She said.

“Grant applications can also be done through the Community Recovery online portal at www.communityrecovery.qld.gov.au.

“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.”

Financial assistance is available through the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

People who are experiencing hardship due to this flooding should contact the Community Recovery Hotline of 1800 173 349 or go to www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies for further information.

ENDS

Media Contact: Benjamin Mulcahy 0419 562 389