Assistance continues for flood-affected in Emerald region
Published Thursday, 24 January, 2008 at 03:05 PM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Department of Communities’ staff will continue providing advice and assistance to Emerald region residents affected by the recent floods, with a Community Recovery Centre opening in town tomorrow (Friday).
Communities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the centre will operate from the Uniting Church Hall, on the corner of Borilla and Yamala streets.
It will be open from 9am to 5pm tomorrow and Saturday, and from 1pm to 5pm on Sunday. The centre will then operate from 9am to 5pm from Monday, 28 January, as required.
“Community Recovery outreach teams are monitoring the region and, as the flood waters recede, are moving in to help more people in outlying areas,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
Disaster relief payments are available for people who can demonstrate personal financial hardship.
“Grants of up to $160 per person and $740 per family are available to help pay for essential items,” said the Minister.
“While you need to have suitable identification papers, Emergent Assistance payments are not income or asset-tested,” she said. “Assistance is also available for people whose property has been damaged but don’t have relevant insurance policies to help cover the costs of repairs or replacement.
“Financial assistance is also available for uninsured essential household contents, such as cooking utensils, bedding and linen, essential furniture and white goods.”
Other financial assistance may be available for repairs to structural damage to houses where the damage can be directly attributed to the storms and flooding. These payments are income and asset-tested, and apply where people do not have relevant insurance policies to assist.
For more information about assistance, call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 44 00 74 or the regional office in Rockhampton on 4938 6996.
Media Contact: Minister’s Office 3235 4280
Communities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the centre will operate from the Uniting Church Hall, on the corner of Borilla and Yamala streets.
It will be open from 9am to 5pm tomorrow and Saturday, and from 1pm to 5pm on Sunday. The centre will then operate from 9am to 5pm from Monday, 28 January, as required.
“Community Recovery outreach teams are monitoring the region and, as the flood waters recede, are moving in to help more people in outlying areas,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
Disaster relief payments are available for people who can demonstrate personal financial hardship.
“Grants of up to $160 per person and $740 per family are available to help pay for essential items,” said the Minister.
“While you need to have suitable identification papers, Emergent Assistance payments are not income or asset-tested,” she said. “Assistance is also available for people whose property has been damaged but don’t have relevant insurance policies to help cover the costs of repairs or replacement.
“Financial assistance is also available for uninsured essential household contents, such as cooking utensils, bedding and linen, essential furniture and white goods.”
Other financial assistance may be available for repairs to structural damage to houses where the damage can be directly attributed to the storms and flooding. These payments are income and asset-tested, and apply where people do not have relevant insurance policies to assist.
For more information about assistance, call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 44 00 74 or the regional office in Rockhampton on 4938 6996.
Media Contact: Minister’s Office 3235 4280