Flood assistance extended across SEQ

The Queensland Government has extended the area eligible for flood assistance across the State’s south-east to include more local government areas.

Treasurer and Acting Emergency Services Minister Andrew Fraser said the assistance has been triggered for Logan as well as Clifton, Stanthorpe and Warwick on the Darling Downs, Cooloola in the Sunshine Coast region and Boonah. Assistance was activated for Beaudesert and Gold Coast local government areas yesterday.

“The extent of the damage is becoming more evident as floodwaters recede. I have received the recommendation from the Department of Emergency Services to extend the assistance to a total of eight local government areas,” Mr Fraser said.

“It means people affected by flooding in these local government areas can apply for grants of up to $160 per person and $740 per family for essentials such as food, dry clothes and accommodation.”

Mr Fraser said of the shires where flood assistance is available, Beaudesert, Boonah, Clifton, Cooloola, Stanthorpe and Warwick were currently drought declared by the Queensland Government.

“Again it highlights the harsh reality of our variable climate that areas affected by drought now have to contend with the impacts of flood and heavy rain,” he said.

People living in other areas may also be eligible for assistance as damage assessments continue.

Communities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the personal hardship assistance to individuals and families is administered by the Department of Communities. The Department of Communities can be contacted on 1800 440 074 or its Moreton Regional Service Centre on 3280 1777.

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

Mr Fraser said under the assistance triggered, funding of up to $9800 for individuals and $13,200 for couples or families was available for building and contents repair and replacement. 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.

The joint State-Commonwealth Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) were activated for Beaudesert and Gold Coast local government areas yesterday.

Boonah, Clifton, Cooloola, Logan, Stanthorpe and Warwick have been included today.

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,'' Mr Fraser 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.

Media Contact Chris Taylor 3224 5982