Last chance for flood-affected residents to apply for emergency grants

Published Thursday, 27 January, 2022 at 11:38 AM

Minister for Communities and Housing, Minister for Digital Economy and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Leeanne Enoch

More than $272,000 in grants have been distributed to more than 1200 Fraser Coast, Gympie and North Burnett region residents affected by recent flooding, to help cover the costs of essential items such as food, clothing and medication.

Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said he has been so impressed by the resilience and community spirit shown by residents who have been affected by the floods.

“I’m grateful for the commitment from the Queensland Government and non-government organisations who continue to ensure people are able to access the information, support or assistance they need to support their recovery.

“A big thank you also goes to the 56 Queensland Government Ready Reserves on the ground over the past several weeks supporting the recovery effort,” he said

Minister for Communities and Housing Leeanne Enoch said these resilient communities are getting back on their feet and demand for payments had eased.

“Now that demand for Emergency Hardship grants has declined, we are about to transition to the next and longer-term, phase of community recovery operations in this area,” Ms Enoch said.

“Applications for Emergency Hardship grants for flood-affected residents in the Fraser Coast, Gympie and North Burnett regions will close at 11:59pm on Friday 28 January so anyone still needing a grant should prioritise getting their application in by this date.

The Community Recovery hub in Maryborough, which has been providing face-to-face support to flood-affected residents, remains open by appointment, with residents encouraged to make an appointment by phoning the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

Residents have attended this Community Recovery hub and other pop-up hubs established over the past two weeks.

Ms Enoch said targeted outreach would however still be available to those who need it the most so residents could talk to community recovery workers at their own home.

“A number of homes in the flood affected areas have been visited by these outreach teams already,” she said.

“Referrals to community organisations and other government agencies and longer-term grants for more serious losses and damage are also still available.

“Lifeline continues to be available to provide support as required.”

Essential Household Contents Grant and Structural Assistance Grant, which are income tested, remain available to eligible residents in activated areas who are uninsured and have experienced certain loss or damage following this disaster.

Financial assistance is available through the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

For more information or to apply for grants, download the Self Recovery app, go to the Community Recovery online portal at www.communityrecovery.qld.gov.au or call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

ENDS

Media contact:        Bill Walker              0437 859 987