HELP IS AT HAND FOR HORSE INDUSTRY
Published Friday, 05 October, 2007 at 08:38 AM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
October 5, 2007
An extensive network of support services is being rolled out across southeast Queensland to provide assistance to people affected by the equine influenza outbreak, Premier Anna Bligh said today.
She said the Department of Communities has now opened one-stop shops on the Gold Coast and at Toowoomba to support to individuals and families whose livelihoods are under threat. The new shops, and one already in operation at Hamilton in Brisbane, will have mobile units which will on the road seven days a week to help people in need.
Ms Bligh said immediate financial relief is available from the State Government’s $5 million personal hardship scheme, providing one-off payments of up to $155 for individuals and up to $725 for families.
Welfare groups Lifeline, St Vincent de Paul and Red Cross also are on hand at the shops or by referral to offer immediate help with food, rent, clothing and electricity, as well as longer-term financial advice and professional personal counselling.
“This is a tough time for many people and we will ensure there is a helping hand when and where they need it. I urge anyone who is feeling the strain to visit one of the shops or contact the helpline on 13 25 23,” Ms Bligh said.
Communities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said each shop also will administer up to three mobile teams, which will be on the road constantly throughout the southeast to help people in other areas.
Hot spots to be targeted by the mobile shops include Rosewood, Marburg, Minden, the Sunshine Coast, Gympie and the Gold Coast hinterland.
This was in addition to the Department of Primary Industries equine influenza centres at Brookfield, Goondiwindi, Rosewood, Tamborine and Warwick.
“I do not think we can underestimate the pressures some people and families must be under as the impacts of the virus grips the horse industry, and jobs and wages start drying up,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“The one-stop shops will provide much-needed relief at least in the short term, as well as longer-term professional financial and personal advice to get people back on their feet. And just as importantly, the counsellors can provide comfort to those who may be feeling despair as a result of the whole situation.”
Other government assistance includes $10 million for small business with payments of up to $5000 in interest subsidies. A $5 million recovery package is also available to assist the Queensland horse industry retain skilled employees and get back on its feet.
The One-Stop Shops are operating from:
Brisbane: 15 Hercules Avenue, Hamilton
Gold Coast: 2439 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Toowoomba: the Lifeline Building (formerly known as the Drayton Handyman Centre), Cnr Anzac Avenue and Boothby Street, Drayton, Toowoomba
Information on the Queensland Government’s assistance package and the locations of One-Stop Shops and mobile teams on each day can be obtained by phoning 13 25 23 or visiting www.qld.gov.au\equineinfluenza.
Commonwealth Government assistance can also be accessed by the Centreline website or by calling 1800 234 002.
Media contact: Premier’s office 3224 4500
An extensive network of support services is being rolled out across southeast Queensland to provide assistance to people affected by the equine influenza outbreak, Premier Anna Bligh said today.
She said the Department of Communities has now opened one-stop shops on the Gold Coast and at Toowoomba to support to individuals and families whose livelihoods are under threat. The new shops, and one already in operation at Hamilton in Brisbane, will have mobile units which will on the road seven days a week to help people in need.
Ms Bligh said immediate financial relief is available from the State Government’s $5 million personal hardship scheme, providing one-off payments of up to $155 for individuals and up to $725 for families.
Welfare groups Lifeline, St Vincent de Paul and Red Cross also are on hand at the shops or by referral to offer immediate help with food, rent, clothing and electricity, as well as longer-term financial advice and professional personal counselling.
“This is a tough time for many people and we will ensure there is a helping hand when and where they need it. I urge anyone who is feeling the strain to visit one of the shops or contact the helpline on 13 25 23,” Ms Bligh said.
Communities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said each shop also will administer up to three mobile teams, which will be on the road constantly throughout the southeast to help people in other areas.
Hot spots to be targeted by the mobile shops include Rosewood, Marburg, Minden, the Sunshine Coast, Gympie and the Gold Coast hinterland.
This was in addition to the Department of Primary Industries equine influenza centres at Brookfield, Goondiwindi, Rosewood, Tamborine and Warwick.
“I do not think we can underestimate the pressures some people and families must be under as the impacts of the virus grips the horse industry, and jobs and wages start drying up,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“The one-stop shops will provide much-needed relief at least in the short term, as well as longer-term professional financial and personal advice to get people back on their feet. And just as importantly, the counsellors can provide comfort to those who may be feeling despair as a result of the whole situation.”
Other government assistance includes $10 million for small business with payments of up to $5000 in interest subsidies. A $5 million recovery package is also available to assist the Queensland horse industry retain skilled employees and get back on its feet.
The One-Stop Shops are operating from:
Brisbane: 15 Hercules Avenue, Hamilton
Gold Coast: 2439 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Toowoomba: the Lifeline Building (formerly known as the Drayton Handyman Centre), Cnr Anzac Avenue and Boothby Street, Drayton, Toowoomba
Information on the Queensland Government’s assistance package and the locations of One-Stop Shops and mobile teams on each day can be obtained by phoning 13 25 23 or visiting www.qld.gov.au\equineinfluenza.
Commonwealth Government assistance can also be accessed by the Centreline website or by calling 1800 234 002.
Media contact: Premier’s office 3224 4500