Residents in parts of Fraser Coast and Sunshine Coast LGAs can now access grants and support following SEQ floods

Published Wednesday, 02 March, 2022 at 12:09 PM

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

Residents in parts of the Fraser Coast and Sunshine Coast local government areas (LGA) impacted by severe flooding can now access financial assistance and support services, including Emergency Hardship Assistance grants of up to $180 per person and $900 for a family of five or more.

Minister for Communities and Housing Leeanne Enoch said the grants were continuing to be made available across some of the most impacted areas to support residents who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the flooding.

“This has been a very serious and significant flooding event and we are still seeing the impacts, and that includes parts of the Fraser Coast and Sunshine Coast, along with many other areas,” Ms Enoch said.

“We have also activated additional areas in Logan and the Noosa LGAs as the impacts become clearer.

“We know that thousands more Queenslanders are now beginning the arduous task of cleaning up their homes and businesses.

“We are continuing to make grants and supports available to the people who need it as we receive requests from local authorities for assistance.”

For a full list of the activated areas across South-East Queensland, including in the Fraser Coast and Sunshine Coast LGAs and the additional areas in the Logan and the Noosa LGAs, visit www.qld.gov.au/SEQRecoveryGrants.

Financial assistance is available under jointly-funded Commonwealth/State-Disaster Relief Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Emergency Hardship Assistance grants help cover the costs of essential items, such as food, medication and clothing, for people who have been directly impacted by this disaster.

Other grants such the Essential Household Contents Grant, Structural Assistance Grant and Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Grant, which are income tested, are also available to eligible residents who are uninsured and have experienced certain loss or damage following this disaster.

Minister Enoch said the Queensland Government’s Ready Reserves would be on the ground in these areas to lead community recovery efforts when safe to do so in the coming days.

“These dedicated community recovery workers will be mobilised and on the ground to help affected individuals and families access the financial assistance and support services that they need to assist with their recovery,” she said.

“We are also continuing to monitor the current flood situation across South-East Queensland and are working with local authorities as damage and impacts become clearer.

“Unfortunately, this weather situation is not over and we know many communities have been impacted.

“We are ready to step up and assist where we are needed, and we expect further activations over the next couple of days as flood waters subside and the extent of the damage becomes clearer.”

There are three ways to apply for grants and find more information:

Additionally, anyone impacted by the flood event can apply for housing assistance, including homeowners and private renters, by visiting www.qld.gov.au or calling 13QGOV (13 74 68).

ENDS

Media contact: Bill Walker 0437 859 987