$105,000 boost to emergency relief funding to support Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper recovery

Published Saturday, 23 December, 2023 at 09:54 AM

Minister for Treaty, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Minister for Communities and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Leeanne Enoch

  • 21 Emergency Relief providers will receive extra funding to support people experiencing immediate financial hardship following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
  • The Emergency Relief program provides access to items such as food hampers, vouchers for essential items and transport, and contributions towards the payment of bills.
  • Far North Queenslanders struggling with unexpected financial pressures are encouraged to contact an Emergency Relief provider in their local area (list below).

The Miles Government is providing an extra $105,000 in emergency relief funding for 21 Emergency Relief providers to help communities impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

The Emergency Relief program supports vulnerable Queenslanders by providing access to items such as food hampers, vouchers for essential items and transport, and contributions towards the payment of bills.

This boost in funding is in addition to new funding announced in the 2023-24 State Budget, which included $3.3 million to extend and expand emergency relief throughout the state in response to cost of living pressures.

Quotes attributable to Minister Leeanne Enoch:

“Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper has impacted so many Far North Queenslanders, damaging homes, cutting off communities and threatening livelihoods.

“It will be a long road to recovery for many, which is why the Miles Government is boosting funding for Emergency Relief providers across the region.

“The support they provide is important to the recovery effort which includes food parcels, vouchers for transport and other essentials, as well as contributions towards the payment of bills.

“Emergency Relief providers can also refer people to appropriate financial and social support services.

“If you are struggling with unexpected financial pressures as a result of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper, please seek assistance from one of the 21 Emergency Relief services in Far North Queensland.

“We also have financial support available through our emergency assistance grants, which can be accessed online at www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp, through the 24-hour Community Recovery Hotline (1800 173 349), or by visiting one of our Community Recovery Hubs.”

Explainer/fast facts and/or further information:

Emergency Relief services in Far North Queensland:

  1. Marlin Coast Neighbourhood Centre – (07) 4055 6440
  2. Hambledon House (Edmonton Neighbourhood Centre) – (07) 4037 2874
  3. Manoora Neighbourhood Centre – (07) 4044 0130
  4. Centacare FNQ - Emergency Relief – (07) 4044 0130
  5. Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council – ER – (07) 4083 7132 or (07) 4040 4500
  6. Mooroobool Community Support Centre – 07 4032 6800
  7. Community Support Centre Innisfail – (07) 4043 8400
  8. Tully Neighbourhood Centre – (07) 4068 1004
  9. Cooktown District Neighbourhood Centre – (07) 4069 6098
  10. Gungarde Community Centre Aboriginal Corporation – ER – (07) 4069 5412
  11. Coen Regional Aboriginal Corporation – ER – 0400 390 295
  12. Douglas Shire Community Services Association – ER – (07) 4098 2836
  13. Goobidi-Bamanga Community Advancement Cooperative Society – ER – (07) 4098 1283
  14. Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre – (07) 4099 5518
  15. Kuranda Neighbourhood Centre – (07) 4093 8933
  16. Mareeba Neighbourhood Centre – (07) 4092 1948
  17. Eacham Community Help Organisation – (07) 4096 6634
  18. Ravenshoe Neighbourhood Centre – (07) 4097 6726
  19. Better Together - Emergency Relief – (07) 4091 3850
  20. Wujal Wujal Emergency Relief Service – (07) 4083 9100
  21. Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council – ER – (07) 4056 0702

For more information about the Emergency Relief program, visit www.qld.gov.au/community/cost-of-living-support/emergency-relief-program.

Personal hardship financial assistance

Residents in the local government areas of Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook (specified localities), Douglas, Hope Vale, Mareeba, Tablelands, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah can apply for personal hardship financial assistance under jointly funded Commonwealth/State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Financial assistance (not income or asset tested) includes:

  • Emergency Hardship Assistance Grants of $180 for eligible individuals and up to $900 for families of five or more for help with essential needs, such as food, medication, clothing and temporary accommodation.
  • Essential Services Hardship Assistance Grants of $150 for eligible individuals and up to $750 for families of five or more for help with essential services, such as power, gas, water and sewage, that have been disrupted for five days or more due to the disaster.

People needing financial assistance or emotional support can contact the 24-hour Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 or visit www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp.

Community Recovery Hubs and Pop-up Hubs are also opening in impacted communities. Check the website (www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp) for up-to-date locations and opening times.

ENDS

Media contact – Tim Auguston 0427 090 563