SES Hotline inundated with flood assistance calls

The State Emergency Service (SES) Hotline 132 500 established by the Queensland Government has received more than 5600 calls this month, as residents across the State sought assistance in heavy rain and associated flooding.

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said the calls for flood assistance have increased the total number of calls to the Hotline to more than 15,000 since it was launched in July last year.

"It has been an extremely busy start to the year for the SES in the south-east, the Whitsundays, north, western and central Queensland. Floodwaters are yet to peak at Rockhampton," Mr Roberts said.

"I have had the opportunity to meet the SES volunteers helping residents at Charleville and Emerald, and I am visiting Rockhampton. On behalf of the Government, I thank our SES volunteers for their tireless efforts. They are inspirational."

Mr Roberts said the 132 500 SES Hotline had been invaluable in providing a single number for people seeking SES assistance across the State due to the flooding.

"Before the 132 500 SES Hotline was introduced, there were more than 1,200 existing phone numbers the public had access to for contacting their local SES."

"The Queensland Government has publicised the Hotline and this has been supported by media with public service announcements. I thank the media for its support."

"I urge people seeking SES assistance to call 132 500."