Ingham emergency assistance grants top $1 million
Published Friday, 13 February, 2009 at 03:00 PM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Communities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr has announced the Bligh Government’s personal hardship payments for victims of the Ingham floods has passed the million dollar mark.
“There has been a massive response from residents seeking emergency assistance since the Community Recovery Centre was established in the town on February 4,” she said.
“So far, close to 3,000 applications for emergency assistance have been processed, and almost $1.1 million had been provided to them.
“This is just a fraction of the total State Government financial commitment directed towards helping flood victims and the Ingham community get back on their feet after the worst floods to hit the area in 30 years.
“Flood-affected individuals are eligible for emergency assistance of $165, with maximum assistance of $765 available for a family of five or more.
“Hundreds of people are attending the Community Recovery Centre in Ingham each day, and it will continue to operate as long as there is a need.
“There has been a surge in attendance during the past few days, as people from outlying areas are able to get into town when flood waters have receded.”
With functions booked at the Royal Hotel where the Recovery Centre is currently operating, Ms Nelson-Carr said plans are being finalised to move the centre from next Wednesday, February 18. Details will be available shortly.
“As well as processing grant applications, the centre’s staff are linking people to services, including emotional support and counselling,” said the Minister.
“There are some 20 State Government staff at the Recovery Centre and they are working in close cooperation with staff from Lifeline and Red Cross.
“Staff have also started outreach visits to affected homes to process assistance applications where residents are unable to visit the Recovery Centre.
Emergency assistance is the first of three levels of financial assistance available to flood victims.
Affected residents might also be eligible for essential household contents or structural damage assistance.
The Essential Household Contents Grant assists with repairing or replacing items such as furniture, clothing, floor coverings or white goods, and is subject to an income and assets-test.
Maximum payment limits of up to $1,635 for eligible individuals and up to $4,910 for eligible couples or families are available for assistance towards the replacement of essential household contents.
Structural Assistance Grants, which are also income and assets-tested, are available to help repair owner-occupied, uninsured properties to ensure the residence is in a habitable and secure condition.
Eligible individuals can receive up to $10,100 and eligible couples or families up to $13,600 to fix structural damage, but the home must be owner-occupied and the principal place of residence.
Both essential household contents and structural repair assistance are available for uninsured property or where insurance doesn’t cover the damage, and affected residents should contact their insurance companies as a first response.
Ingham Recovery Centre at the Royal Hotel will be open on Saturday, from 9am–5pm, closed Sunday, but open again on Monday, 9am-5pm through to COB Tuesday. The Recovery Centre will open on Wednesday at another venue which will be confirmed shortly.
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280
“There has been a massive response from residents seeking emergency assistance since the Community Recovery Centre was established in the town on February 4,” she said.
“So far, close to 3,000 applications for emergency assistance have been processed, and almost $1.1 million had been provided to them.
“This is just a fraction of the total State Government financial commitment directed towards helping flood victims and the Ingham community get back on their feet after the worst floods to hit the area in 30 years.
“Flood-affected individuals are eligible for emergency assistance of $165, with maximum assistance of $765 available for a family of five or more.
“Hundreds of people are attending the Community Recovery Centre in Ingham each day, and it will continue to operate as long as there is a need.
“There has been a surge in attendance during the past few days, as people from outlying areas are able to get into town when flood waters have receded.”
With functions booked at the Royal Hotel where the Recovery Centre is currently operating, Ms Nelson-Carr said plans are being finalised to move the centre from next Wednesday, February 18. Details will be available shortly.
“As well as processing grant applications, the centre’s staff are linking people to services, including emotional support and counselling,” said the Minister.
“There are some 20 State Government staff at the Recovery Centre and they are working in close cooperation with staff from Lifeline and Red Cross.
“Staff have also started outreach visits to affected homes to process assistance applications where residents are unable to visit the Recovery Centre.
Emergency assistance is the first of three levels of financial assistance available to flood victims.
Affected residents might also be eligible for essential household contents or structural damage assistance.
The Essential Household Contents Grant assists with repairing or replacing items such as furniture, clothing, floor coverings or white goods, and is subject to an income and assets-test.
Maximum payment limits of up to $1,635 for eligible individuals and up to $4,910 for eligible couples or families are available for assistance towards the replacement of essential household contents.
Structural Assistance Grants, which are also income and assets-tested, are available to help repair owner-occupied, uninsured properties to ensure the residence is in a habitable and secure condition.
Eligible individuals can receive up to $10,100 and eligible couples or families up to $13,600 to fix structural damage, but the home must be owner-occupied and the principal place of residence.
Both essential household contents and structural repair assistance are available for uninsured property or where insurance doesn’t cover the damage, and affected residents should contact their insurance companies as a first response.
Ingham Recovery Centre at the Royal Hotel will be open on Saturday, from 9am–5pm, closed Sunday, but open again on Monday, 9am-5pm through to COB Tuesday. The Recovery Centre will open on Wednesday at another venue which will be confirmed shortly.
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280