Last chance for Innisfail residents to apply for emergency grants following flooding

Published Saturday, 17 March, 2018 at 09:31 PM

Minister for Communities and Minister for Disability Services and Seniors
The Honourable Coralee O'Rourke

More than $20,000 worth of grants have been distributed to Innisfail residents affected by recent flooding, to help them cover the costs of essential items such as food, clothing and medication.

Communities Minister Coralee O’Rourke said the resilient community was getting back on its feet and demand had eased for these payments after a week’s operations.

“Now that demand for Emergency Hardship grants has declined, we are about to transition to the next, and longer-term, phase of community recovery operations in this area,” she said.

“Applications for Emergency Hardship grants for Innisfail residents will close at midnight tomorrow (Sunday 18 March), in accord with the activation schedule, so anyone still needing a grant should prioritise getting their application in on time.

“I have been so impressed by the resilience and community spirit shown by residents in the Innisfail area as I’ve travelled around to many of the affected areas.”

Mrs O’Rourke said targeted outreach would still be directed to those who need it the most so residents could talk to community recovery workers at their own home.

“Referrals to community organisations and other government agencies and longer-term grants for more serious losses and damage are also still available,” she said.

“The Salvation Army continues to be available to provide support as required.

“Around 160 homes in the area have been visited by these outreach teams.”

Mrs O’Rourke said the Queensland Government had 126 Ready Reserves currently supporting the recovery effort across both North and Far North Queensland.

Essential Household Contents Grant and Structural Assistance Grant, which are income tested, are also available to eligible residents in activated areas who are uninsured and have experienced certain loss or damage following this disaster remain available.

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

For more information or to apply for grants, download the Self Recovery app, go to the Community Recovery online portal at www.communityrecovery.qld.gov.au or call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.
 
Media Contact: Minister O’Rourke’s office 3719 7184