Queensland Government activates SEQ flood assistance

7 January 2007

Queensland Government activates SEQ flood assistance

The Queensland Government has activated assistance for residents, businesses and primary producers affected by flooding in the Beaudesert and Gold Coast local government areas.

Acting Emergency Services Minister Andrew Fraser said the assistance has been activated after preliminary assessments of damage to public infrastructure in these local government areas was $2 million.

“People in other affected local government areas are expected to be also eligible for assistance as damage assessments in these areas are finalised,” said Mr Fraser, who visited the Beaudesert region today.

“People affected by flooding can apply for grants of up to $160 per person and $740 per family for essentials such as food, dry clothes and accommodation,” he said.

Communities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the personal hardship assistance to individuals and families is administered by the Queensland Government’s Department of Communities.

The Department of Communities Moreton Regional Service Centre can be contacted on 3280 1777.

“Officers of the Department of Communities will also visit affected residents to assess their needs,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

Mr Fraser said further assistance is available for building and contents repair and replacement. Maximum assistance is $9800 for individuals and $13,200 is available for couples or families.

This assistance is means-tested.

In addition, the reimbursement costs for local councils extraordinary disaster management costs such as tarps, machinery hire and private debris clean-up is offered.

NDRRA provides assistance for restoration of essential public assets, grant and loan assistance to sporting and community not-for-profit organisations, concessional loans for small businesses, and concessional loans and freight subsidies for primary producers.

Mr Fraser said assistance for primary producers and small business under NDRRA was administered by QRAA (formerly known as the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority).

For eligible primary producers, finance can be obtained for requirements including:
* Replanting/restoration/re-establishment of affected areas
* Sustenance
* Essential property operations
* Payment of rent, rates
* Replacement of farm buildings
* Restocking.

"The maximum loan amount for carry-on requirements or restocking is $100,000 with a cumulative total not more than $150,000,'' he said.

"Assistance is available by contacting QRAA on Freecall 1800 623 946 to speak to a representative who will be able to assist.''

NDRRA assistance for eligible small businesses was in the form of concessional loans up to a cumulative total of $150,000.

Mr Fraser said while floodwaters were receding across most areas, the State Emergency Service was continuing to provide assistance.

“The State Emergency Service are visiting more than 60 isolated properties in the Beaudesert region to assess damage and needs of residents,” Mr Fraser said.

“There are 30 State Emergency Service staff in the Beaudesert area today. The Government’s emergency rescue helicopter is also being used to visit isolated properties.”

“We expect all isolated properties will have been visited this afternoon.”

“Since Friday, there have been about 460 SES volunteers providing assistance to people affected by the floods. I would like to pay tribute to the hard work and dedication of our SES volunteers.”

Media Contact: Chris Taylor 0419 710 874