Help assured for vulnerable families and communities

Far north Queensland residents have been reassured that the important work of community recovery from Tropical Cyclone Larry will continue to provide help to vulnerable communities and families.

Minister for Communities Warren Pitt said the Department of Communities’ One Stop Shops in Innisfail and Malanda would continue to support and assist local residents, as would the department’s funded recovery partners.

Mr Pitt said that since the cyclone hit a year ago, the Department of Communities had provided:

• $5.5 million in emergency relief assistance to 14,000 residents
• $3.5 million to more than 2700 residents to help replace uninsured household contents damaged or destroyed by the cyclone, and
• $2.6 million to nearly 300 individuals/families to help repair, replace or rebuild their uninsured homes.

He said the department has also had 41,908 client contacts through its One Stop Shops, conducted 11,468 outreach visits, referred 2338 clients for counselling and taken 14,346 calls for assistance.

A total of 55,714 direct client contacts had been made by departmental staff.

“Many of the relatively small number of people who still need assistance face very complex situations, with a number of different issues and influences at play,” Mr Pitt said.

“The department will continue to work closely with them to progress their recovery and wellbeing.”

Mr Pitt said that while the aftermath of Cyclone Larry was devastating for local communities, the recovery process presented significant challenges for government and non-government agencies.

“On the day the cyclone struck, my department established an emergency assistance hotline operated to ensure residents could readily access information about the support services available,” Mr Pitt said.

“The next day, staff from the Department of Communities and other partner agencies began distributing financial assistance and other support in Innisfail, the Tableland, Babinda and Edmonton.

“Initially, 13 One Stop Shops were established throughout the region, supported by outreach teams going door to door to facilitate access to assistance measures.

“In total, more than 400 departmental staff helped with the initial relief effort.

“I am very proud of the achievements of my department and of the staff who put some much time and energy into delivering these services,” Mr Pitt said.

“I also heartily thank all of the non-government organisations that continue to work in partnership with the department to deliver recovery-related services.

“Without their assistance and support, the outstanding results achieved to date would not have been possible.”

Mr Pitt said the department was now focused on building the capacity of existing local and district non-government organisations to increase recovery-related support.

“Through its work with other government and non-government agencies, the department is actively supporting the development and implementation of locally driven industry and cultural recovery programs.

“Currently, 65 recovery staff are still directly employed, providing assistance to community members, groups and leaders.”

Media contact: Peter Nibbs 3235 4280 or 0417 789 208