Gold Coast residents impacted by the floods receiving vital support

Gold Coast residents devasted by recent severe weather and flooding, are being strongly supported with hundreds of flood-affected residents receiving financial and emotional assistance.

Speaking at the Palm Beach Community Recovery Hub, Minister for Communities and Housing Leeanne Enoch said financial assistance and emotional support could be accessed online, via the Community Recovery hotline or in person at community recovery hubs.

“Since impacted areas of the Gold Coast were activated a few days ago, more than $44,000 in Emergency Hardship Assistance grants has already been provided benefitting 249 Gold Coast residents,” Ms Enoch said.

“Gold Coast residents are incredibly resilient and the community spirit we’ve seen over recent days with the clean-up and recovery effort has been inspiring.

“The Palaszczuk Government is here to support the Gold Coast community as it recovers from these devasting floods.

“Residents living in flood-affected Gold Coast suburbs, including Currumbin, Currumbin Waters, Currumbin Valley, Elanora, Palm Beach, Tallebudgera, and Tallebudgera Valley, may be eligible for a range of supports, such as financial assistance, if they’ve been impacted by the floods and are experiencing hardship.

“Financial assistance is rolling out and we anticipate that many more people will benefit from this funding in the coming days and weeks as the floodwaters continue to subside and the damage is assessed.”

Local community recovery hubs are located at Palm Beach 11^th Avenue Community Space, 26 Eleventh Avenue, Palm Beach; Ormeau Community Centre, 3 Cuthbert Drive, Ormeau and the Beenleigh PCYC, 20-38 Alamein Street, Beenleigh.

Gold Coast based Minister, Meaghan Scanlon said Hubs like these are vital in helping to restore and rebuild Communities.

“These dedicated Community Recovery Hubs are helping affected individuals and families access the financial assistance and support services that they need to assist with their recovery.”

“It’s been wonderful to see our community come out in force to support each other but it’s so important that impacted locals know that help and grants are available,” she said.

Minister Enoch said community recovery hubs were places where people impacted by the floods could speak to community recovery workers, apply for grants and be referred to other support organisations.

“Gold Coast residents are welcome to come here and apply for a grant, speak with our Community Recovery workers, access housing assistance and connect with support services such as the Red Cross and Lifeline,” she said.

“Our officers are on the ground in the community recovery hubs seven days a week to provide support.

“There is housing support for displaced homeowners, people in the private rental market, social housing tenants, and homeless people impacted by the floods.”

Emergency Hardship Assistance grants, of $180 per person up to $900 for a family of five or more, 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.

Applications for Emergency Hardship Assistance grants will remain open until 26 March, while the longer-term grants will continue to be available.

Queenslanders can visit www.qld.gov.au/SEQRecoveryGrants for information and locations of community recovery hubs, to check their eligibility for grants and apply online.

The Community Recovery Hotline can be contacted on 1800 173 349.

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

ENDS

Media contact: Bill Walker 0437 859 987