Published Wednesday, 17 December, 2008 at 01:21 PM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Storm recovery centres close tonight
Communities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the storm recovery centres at Ashgrove, Everton Hills, Ipswich and Narangba close at 7pm tonight.
“The storm recovery process has been a huge job and I want to thank the many people – Red Cross, Lifeline, Brisbane City Council, Queensland Government staff and everyone who has pitched in,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“You showed tremendous community spirit and good will, and I know those who have suffered losses during the storms are most grateful for your support.”
Anyone yet to submit applications for the means-tested essential household contents or structural grants can still do so by going online, making a phone call to Smart Services Queensland, or visiting a Department of Communities regional office.
More than 15,500 Queenslanders applied for personal hardship payments which closed on December 1, totaling in excess of $7.98 million.
These payments ranged from $165 for individuals and up to $765 for a family of five or more.
Ms Nelson-Carr said the busiest centres were Ashgrove and Everton Hills, each helping more than 4,000 Queenslanders; followed by Narangba which saw over 3000 people coming into the recovery centre.
“There’s been some 5,541 applications for the means-tested Essential Household Content grants, with over 5,146 applications processed to date,” she said.
“There has been 168 applications (125 processed) for structural assistance grants which will take some time to go through, because they involve working with insurers, getting quotes and organising builders/contractors.”
The Smart Service Queensland hotline (1800 173 349) has taken more than 5,725 phone calls since November 17, with Volunteering Queensland has taken an estimated 618 call from people wanting to lend a hand.
“To all the neighbors and community members who came forward to help, and everyone who worked tirelessly to make it easier for residents to gain assistance, I truly say thank you – you make me proud to be a Queenslander.”
Media contact: Minister’s Office – 3235 4280
“The storm recovery process has been a huge job and I want to thank the many people – Red Cross, Lifeline, Brisbane City Council, Queensland Government staff and everyone who has pitched in,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“You showed tremendous community spirit and good will, and I know those who have suffered losses during the storms are most grateful for your support.”
Anyone yet to submit applications for the means-tested essential household contents or structural grants can still do so by going online, making a phone call to Smart Services Queensland, or visiting a Department of Communities regional office.
More than 15,500 Queenslanders applied for personal hardship payments which closed on December 1, totaling in excess of $7.98 million.
These payments ranged from $165 for individuals and up to $765 for a family of five or more.
Ms Nelson-Carr said the busiest centres were Ashgrove and Everton Hills, each helping more than 4,000 Queenslanders; followed by Narangba which saw over 3000 people coming into the recovery centre.
“There’s been some 5,541 applications for the means-tested Essential Household Content grants, with over 5,146 applications processed to date,” she said.
“There has been 168 applications (125 processed) for structural assistance grants which will take some time to go through, because they involve working with insurers, getting quotes and organising builders/contractors.”
The Smart Service Queensland hotline (1800 173 349) has taken more than 5,725 phone calls since November 17, with Volunteering Queensland has taken an estimated 618 call from people wanting to lend a hand.
“To all the neighbors and community members who came forward to help, and everyone who worked tirelessly to make it easier for residents to gain assistance, I truly say thank you – you make me proud to be a Queenslander.”
Media contact: Minister’s Office – 3235 4280