Published Tuesday, 10 February, 2009 at 12:27 PM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Recovery operations in full swing in Ingham
Communities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr travelled to Ingham today to see first hand the flood devastation and make certain everything is being done to support those affected.
Ms Nelson-Carr said she wanted to ensure recovery operations were running smoothly and any opportunities to improve services and supports are delivered quickly on the ground.
“As a fellow North Queenslander, I feel for the people of Ingham and elsewhere in the region who are now facing the huge job of cleaning up and trying to get on with their lives,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“The task of disaster recovery goes on long after the flood waters have receded.
“The events of the past week have brought significant challenges for communities and the recovery efforts have been enormous.
“Not only does infrastructure need to be re-built, so do some people’s lives.”
Ms Nelson-Carr met with Queensland Federal MP and Small Business Minister Craig Emerson for a briefing on the assistance being provided to flood-affected locals. Dr Emerson is representing the Prime Minister to report back on any additional federal support that may be needed for the region.
“The Department of Communities plays an important role in disaster recovery,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“We have staff on the ground at the Community Recovery Centre in Ingham providing financial and emotional support to flood victims.
“As at close of business yesterday, about 660 applications for immediate financial assistance of up to $765 had been processed through the Ingham centre since it opened last Wednesday.
“A total of about $260,845 has been paid out to people to help them buy essential supplies, such as food, medication and emergency accommodation.
“When flood waters recede sufficiently, staff will begin to move into the field to assess applications for means-tested assistance to replace lost or damaged essential household items, and for the repair of damaged property.
“I also expect that as the flood waters recede, people from the outlying centres like Halifax, Lucinda, Forrest Beach and Taylors Beach will be able to get into town to attend the recovery centre.
“Australians are known for coming together and supporting each other in crisis, and what we’ve seen across the North Queensland region over the past week is no exception.
“The Bligh Government will continue to work with the local community to do everything we can to help the people of North Queensland through these tough times.
“However, I know Queenslanders, particularly those in rural and regional areas, are extremely robust and I have no doubt that locals will quickly get on with the job of re-building.”
The Ingham Community Recovery Centre is open 9am to 5pm at the Royal Hotel, across the road from the council chambers.
Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 0419 734 985 or Minister’s office on 3235 4280
Ms Nelson-Carr said she wanted to ensure recovery operations were running smoothly and any opportunities to improve services and supports are delivered quickly on the ground.
“As a fellow North Queenslander, I feel for the people of Ingham and elsewhere in the region who are now facing the huge job of cleaning up and trying to get on with their lives,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“The task of disaster recovery goes on long after the flood waters have receded.
“The events of the past week have brought significant challenges for communities and the recovery efforts have been enormous.
“Not only does infrastructure need to be re-built, so do some people’s lives.”
Ms Nelson-Carr met with Queensland Federal MP and Small Business Minister Craig Emerson for a briefing on the assistance being provided to flood-affected locals. Dr Emerson is representing the Prime Minister to report back on any additional federal support that may be needed for the region.
“The Department of Communities plays an important role in disaster recovery,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“We have staff on the ground at the Community Recovery Centre in Ingham providing financial and emotional support to flood victims.
“As at close of business yesterday, about 660 applications for immediate financial assistance of up to $765 had been processed through the Ingham centre since it opened last Wednesday.
“A total of about $260,845 has been paid out to people to help them buy essential supplies, such as food, medication and emergency accommodation.
“When flood waters recede sufficiently, staff will begin to move into the field to assess applications for means-tested assistance to replace lost or damaged essential household items, and for the repair of damaged property.
“I also expect that as the flood waters recede, people from the outlying centres like Halifax, Lucinda, Forrest Beach and Taylors Beach will be able to get into town to attend the recovery centre.
“Australians are known for coming together and supporting each other in crisis, and what we’ve seen across the North Queensland region over the past week is no exception.
“The Bligh Government will continue to work with the local community to do everything we can to help the people of North Queensland through these tough times.
“However, I know Queenslanders, particularly those in rural and regional areas, are extremely robust and I have no doubt that locals will quickly get on with the job of re-building.”
The Ingham Community Recovery Centre is open 9am to 5pm at the Royal Hotel, across the road from the council chambers.
Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 0419 734 985 or Minister’s office on 3235 4280