Ingham Recovery Centre to close but outreach will continue: Minister

Communities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said Ingham’s Community Recovery Centre was due close next Saturday, February 28, but outreach teams would continue to assist residents for as long as needed.

Ms Nelson-Carr said staff are door knocking, visiting properties and ensuring residents are safe.

“It is important residents know they are not being left to fend for themselves, with staff continuing to serve the region, providing advice and information, and even a shoulder to lean on during these tough times,” she said.

“While Queenslanders are amazing and resilient in the face of adversity, we will continue to work with the community through the long-haul to recovery.

“To date we have provided more than 3,673 in personal hardship payments to the Ingham community, totalling over $1.37 million to help pay for basic necessities.”

Although this Recovery Centre and Emergent Assistant Grants for Ingham close next Saturday, February 28, anyone in any flooded area can call the Disaster Recovery Hotline for information about assistance, grant eligibility, outreach visits and to organise property inspections. The Disaster Recovery Hotline is 1800 173 349.

The Department of Communities established the Community Recovery Centre in Ingham two weeks ago to provide residents with access to information and advice during the immediate crisis.

Ms Nelson-Carr said Essential Household Contents and Structural Assistance Grants would remain available to uninsured, low income-earners whose homes or contents were damaged in the floods.

“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,” she said.

Maximum payment limits of up to $1,635 for eligible individuals and up to $4,910 for eligible couples or families apply for essential household contents.

“In addition Structural Assistance Grants, which are also income and assets-tested, remain available to help repair owner-occupied, uninsured properties that have been flood-damaged to ensure the residence is in a habitable and secure condition,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

Eligible individuals can receive up to $10,100 and eligible couples or families up to $13,600 to address structural damage, but the home must be the principal place of residence for the owners.

Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280