Grants and support continue to flow for flood-affected communities

More than $3.5 million in financial assistance has been provided to flood-affected residents in south-east Queensland, as grants and support are extended to additional impacted communities including the Redlands local government area (LGA).

Minister for Communities and Housing said residents in the Redlands 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.

“As of today (5 March), more than $3.5 million in grants have been provided to flood-affected residents across the state, benefitting almost 19,000 people,” Ms Enoch said.

“More than 24,700 grant applications have been received and our hard-working grants team is processing applications as fast as they can to ensure that financial assistance is provided to people as quickly as possible.

“As roads open and damage begins to be assessed, we are also opening community recovery hubs.

“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 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 will begin to lead community recovery efforts in these areas once the current threat of further heavy rain and storms eases and it is safe to travel.

“Our hard-working and 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 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:

• Visit www.qld.gov.au/SEQRecoveryGrantsto check your eligibility, find out what documents you need, and apply online
• Phone the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349
• Visit a Community Recovery Hub if one has been set up in your area.  Check www.qld.gov.au/SEQRecoveryGrants regularly for updates.

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