Minister for Community Services and Housing and Minister for Women
The Honourable Karen Struthers
01/01/2011
Assistance for Bundaberg area residents affected by flooding
Bundaberg area residents affected by Queensland's worst flooding in 50 years will be able to access financial help and counselling services at a local Community Recovery Centre starting Sunday, January 2.
Community Services Minister Karen Struthers today said the centre would be set up in the Bundaberg PCYC on Maryborough Street so affected members of the community who were returning to their homes had coordinated help nearby.
"We know a lot of Queenslanders are doing it tough right now and we're doing what we can to help," Ms Struthers said.
"At the centre, eligible people will be able to apply for Personal Hardship Grants of $170 per person or a maximum of $850 for a family of five or more to help with replacing essentials like food, clothing, medications and accommodation.
"Essential Household Contents Grants of up to $5120 may also be available to eligible low-income families to help with the replacement or repair of uninsured, essential household contents which have been lost, damaged or destroyed by flooding.
"Further assistance is also available to help repair owner-occupied, uninsured residences damaged by flooding, with means tested Structural Assistance Grants of up to $10 500 for individuals and $14 200 for families."
The centre will operate from 9am to 5pm each day from the PCYC on Maryborough Street at Bundaberg until further notice and outreach teams will be out and about visiting affected people in their homes.
Applications for financial assistance can be made in person at the Community Recovery Centre or by phoning the Community Recovery Line on 1800 173 349.
The need to open further recovery centres in other parts of Queensland will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Information about assistance is also available at www.communities.qld.gov.au
