More community recovery hubs open in flood affected regions

The Queensland Government is continuing to roll out support to flood-affected areas across the south-east, with additional community recovery hubs now open in Beenleigh, Laidley, Goodna and Lowood.

Minister for Communities and Housing Leeanne Enoch said the local residents could visit the new Community Recovery Hubs to get face-to-face financial assistance and emotional support.

“We know these areas have been hard hit by the recent flooding, and the hubs are places where people impacted by the floods can speak to community recovery workers, apply for grants and be referred to other support organisations,” Ms Enoch said.

“Partner agencies, which can include Red Cross, Lifeline and the Salvation Army, will also have representatives on site along with Services Australia and insurers.

“Officers at the hubs can also provide housing support to displaced homeowners, people in the private rental market, social housing tenants, and homeless people impacted by the floods.”

Minister Enoch said the hubs at the Beenleigh PCYC, 20-38 Alamein Street, Beenleigh, the Laidley Cultural Centre, 3 Laidley Plainland Road, Laidley, The Frank Greevey Function Centre, Goodna RSL, 112 Brisbane Terrace, Goodna, and at the Lutheran Church Hall, 43 Park Street, Lowood are all open from 9am, 7 days a week.

“Additional community recovery hubs will continue to be opened in the coming days as we identify areas of need and access to impacted communities continues to improve,” she said.

“We know many Queenslanders have been impacted by this disaster and we encourage people who are experiencing hardship and need assistance to visit our community recovery hubs.

“Alternatively, people in impacted areas who have power or phones can use these channels for assistance without having to queue at the hub and disrupt their recovery efforts.”

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

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

Financial assistance is available for residents in activated flood-affected communities, including Emergency Hardship Assistance grants, of up to $180 per person and $900 for a family of five or more, to help cover the costs of essential items, such as food, medication and clothing.

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.

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

For a full list of the activated areas across South-East Queensland visit www.qld.gov.au/SEQRecoveryGrants.

ENDS

Media contact: Bill Walker 0437 859 987