Flood assistance package to support Townsville state schools

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today announced critical disaster funding assistance for teachers and students impacted by north Queensland’s unprecedented flood event.

The Premier today inspected damage at Oonoonba State School with Minister for Education Grace Grace and Minister for Communities and Mundingburra MP Coralee O’Rourke.

“Schools are such an important part of any community, and my Government is working hard to ensure all Townsville schools get back on their feet,” the Premier said.

“We’ve seen first-hand the devastating impact of the floods to school infrastructure and resources, but we also know teachers and students have lost personal items essential for learning.

Teachers and families at Townsville state schools will be able to claim critical disaster funding assistance to replace learning essentials.

“Teachers can claim up to $1000, with families able to claim up to $150 per student.”

Ms O’Rourke said the Government wants to make this process as easy as possible for teachers and families.

“This has been a stressful time for the community, but the quicker we can get this money to teachers and families the quicker schools can return to normal.

“From Monday teachers and parents can lodge a claim directly through their school. Parents requiring further information should contact the Department of Education on 1800 916 770.

“For teachers, the funding assistance covers learning resources like text books, musical instruments and any other items essential for teaching.

“Parents can claim for damaged/lost items such as stationery and textbooks.”

Ms Grace said she was hopeful many schools would be able to reopen by the start of next week but only after a comprehensive operational and safety assessment.

“We want teachers to be back in front of their classes teaching, and children back in class learning,” she said.

“However, safety is paramount, and we will only reopen schools when it is safe to do so.

“Schools will re-open progressively once they’re given the all clear.”

In addition to the schools already reopened, Ms Grace said Rollingstone State School and North Eton State School have reopened today.

Parents are encouraged to check the status of their school on the Department’s school closures website at http://closures.det.qld.gov.au/

A link will be published on the Department of Education’s website on Monday for parents and families wanting to make a claim.

Media contacts:

Premier’s Office                    Geoff Breusch           0417 272 875

Minister Grace’s Office        Scott Chandler          0439 578 472

Minister O’Rourke’s Office  Ben Mulcahy             0419 562 389