Grants and support for flood-affected residents extend across South-East Queensland

More residents across South-East Queensland who have been impacted by severe flooding over recent days may be eligible for financial assistance, 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 impacted areas to support residents who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the flooding.

“This is a very serious and significant flooding event and we know that thousands of people have been hard-hit, with many properties and businesses across the south-east inundated by floodwaters over the past couple of days,” Ms Enoch said.

“We have also seen thousands of people evacuated from their homes for their safety or have been isolated for some time.

“We are continuing to make grants and supports available as we receive requests from local authorities for assistance

Grants are now open for people in the following locations:

• Ipswich local government area (LGA)
• Somerset LGA
• Moreton Bay LGA
• Lockyer Valley LGA
• Gympie LGA
• Dallarnil locality - North Burnett LGA

Assessments are continuing as the flooding situation changes and other areas will be activated as needs emerge.

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 are on standby to lead community recovery efforts in these areas once the flood water subsides and it is safe to travel.

“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.”

Minister Enoch said grant applications for those who have been impacted could be made through the Community Recovery online portal at www.communityrecovery.qld.gov.au.

“Residents without internet access can ring the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 to get information or apply for grants and access to support services over the phone,” she said.

“People can also download the Self Recovery app for information or to apply for grants, including Emergency Hardship Assistance grants.

“The Self Recovery app, online portal and the hotline are vital in times of disasters to provide access to the latest information, grant applications and referrals for community organisations and other government agencies.”

People who are experiencing hardship due to this flooding should contact the Community Recovery Hotline of 1800 173 349 or go to www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies for further information.

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

ENDS

Media contact: Bill Walker 0437 859 987