Published Thursday, 10 January, 2008 at 06:07 PM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Assistance for flood victims rolls-out across Queensland
Community Recovery outreach teams have visited nearly 400 homes in Queensland’s flood-affected regions, offering much-needed financial assistance and emotional first-aid.
Communities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said assistance was stepped up again today as flood waters continued to recede and clean-up efforts hit full swing.
“Community Recovery outreach teams are out in force in the worst-affected areas of south Queensland, offering much-needed assistance to those left with the devastation of recent flash flooding,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“A total of nine outreach teams were dispatched in the Moreton region alone, which includes the disaster-declared areas of Beaudesert, Boonah and Logan.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said outreach teams were also bolstered in the Gold Coast region today, where teams have been visiting families in Tallebudgera, Springbrook, Upper Nerang and Currumbin Valley for the past four days.
“Staff from the Department of Communities’ Far North Queensland regional office have also visited 36 properties in the Cairns region, assisting six Gordonvale families to apply for assistance, as a result of recent heavy rains and flooding," she said.
“Within the Moreton and Gold Coast regions, more than 350 homes have been visited since the flooding occurred with 49 individuals and families receiving emergency payments to purchase essential items such as food, clothing, medications and accommodation.
“Relief efforts were made more difficult due to flood levels, damage to infrastructure and the remoteness of some properties. In some cases, temporary roads had to be cleared in order to access properties.
“Some families have lost much due to the floods – it’s a very emotional, distressing time, which is why the department continues to step up its presence on-the-ground and offer both financial assistance and emotional first-aid.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said one-off emergency assistance was available to people who can demonstrate genuine hardship as a result of the storms and flooding. This payment will not be income or asset tested.
“People affected by flooding can apply for grants of up to $160 per person and $740 per family for essential items,” she said.
Other financial assistance may also be available for repairs to structural damage or replacement of goods directly attributed to the storms and flooding. These payments are both income and asset-tested.
The department is also working with local agencies, such as the Red Cross, to provide personal assistance.
“I’m overwhelmed by the resilience and community spirit of people living in the flood-affected areas, and commend locals whole-heartedly for supporting each other through this difficult period,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“I would also like to pay tribute to local SES and Community Recovery teams for their hard work and dedication.”
As the Bureau of Meteorology continues to forecast rain and thunderstorms across the State, emergency and recovery teams remain on alert.
For further information, visit www.communities.qld.gov.au or call the Disaster Relief Hotline on 1800 440 074.
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280
Communities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said assistance was stepped up again today as flood waters continued to recede and clean-up efforts hit full swing.
“Community Recovery outreach teams are out in force in the worst-affected areas of south Queensland, offering much-needed assistance to those left with the devastation of recent flash flooding,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“A total of nine outreach teams were dispatched in the Moreton region alone, which includes the disaster-declared areas of Beaudesert, Boonah and Logan.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said outreach teams were also bolstered in the Gold Coast region today, where teams have been visiting families in Tallebudgera, Springbrook, Upper Nerang and Currumbin Valley for the past four days.
“Staff from the Department of Communities’ Far North Queensland regional office have also visited 36 properties in the Cairns region, assisting six Gordonvale families to apply for assistance, as a result of recent heavy rains and flooding," she said.
“Within the Moreton and Gold Coast regions, more than 350 homes have been visited since the flooding occurred with 49 individuals and families receiving emergency payments to purchase essential items such as food, clothing, medications and accommodation.
“Relief efforts were made more difficult due to flood levels, damage to infrastructure and the remoteness of some properties. In some cases, temporary roads had to be cleared in order to access properties.
“Some families have lost much due to the floods – it’s a very emotional, distressing time, which is why the department continues to step up its presence on-the-ground and offer both financial assistance and emotional first-aid.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said one-off emergency assistance was available to people who can demonstrate genuine hardship as a result of the storms and flooding. This payment will not be income or asset tested.
“People affected by flooding can apply for grants of up to $160 per person and $740 per family for essential items,” she said.
Other financial assistance may also be available for repairs to structural damage or replacement of goods directly attributed to the storms and flooding. These payments are both income and asset-tested.
The department is also working with local agencies, such as the Red Cross, to provide personal assistance.
“I’m overwhelmed by the resilience and community spirit of people living in the flood-affected areas, and commend locals whole-heartedly for supporting each other through this difficult period,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“I would also like to pay tribute to local SES and Community Recovery teams for their hard work and dedication.”
As the Bureau of Meteorology continues to forecast rain and thunderstorms across the State, emergency and recovery teams remain on alert.
For further information, visit www.communities.qld.gov.au or call the Disaster Relief Hotline on 1800 440 074.
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280