The Honourable Anna Bligh
31/12/2010
Flood appeal hits $7 million mark
Queensland's flood appeal has hit the $7 million mark thanks to generous donations from Origin Energy and the Commonwealth Bank.
Premier Anna Bligh today thanked the companies who today each contributed $1 million to the appeal, taking the total donated to date to $7.25 million.
"These companies have businesses right across Queensland and many have themselves been significantly affected," Ms Bligh said.
"What's more many of their employees and customers are also doing it tough.
"The support from the corporate sector for this public appeal in the past 48 hours has been amazing."
Ms Bligh thanked all of the companies who had donated to date, saying they had once again confirmed their commitment to Queenslanders.
"We are now well beyond the $7 million mark and every cent will go right back to Queenslanders across these flood ravaged towns."
The Australian Red Cross has agreed to manage the fund on behalf of the Queensland Government, with the Government and Red Cross covering any administration costs.
The Premier, who was in Rockhampton and Bundaberg today with Prime Minister Julia Gillard, said the damage bill when the flood waters finally receded would be enormous.
"Obviously we won't have a true picture of the extent of the damage until the flood waters recede and the clean up begins but in state owned infrastructure alone, such as roads, rail and schools, we are looking at a bill that could well run into the billions.
"This doesn't include the damage to crops, and of course the heart-breaking damage to personal property.
"Queenslanders are going to need every bit of help they can get and the support for the disaster relief appeal has been overwhelming."
Ms Bligh welcomed the Commonwealth's announcement today it would provide additional assistance ($1000 per adult and $400 per child) for people significantly affected by the floods.
"The Gillard Government has been working closely with us to ensure that Queenslanders affected by these devastating floods will be able to access as much support and assistance as they need."
Ms Bligh said today's announcement by the Commonwealth would build on the existing assistance already available for people in flood affected areas provided jointly by the State and Commonwealth governments, including:
• Personal Hardship Assistance grants of $170 per person, up to a maximum of $850 for a family of five or more, are available to people experiencing hardship to meet the cost of essentials like food, clothing, medical supplies and accommodation.
• The Essential Household Contents Grant provides assistance of up to $1640 for individuals and $4980 for families to help with the cost of replacing items like fridges and other essential household items.
• Structural Assistance Grants of up to $10500 for individuals and $14200 for families a re available to help repair uninsured owner-occupied homes.
People who are experiencing personal hardship due to the flooding should contact the Department of Communities on 1800 173 349 or visit www.communities.qld.gov.au
To donate to the Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal go to www.qld.gov.au/floods
