Almost 6000 people in bushfire-affected communities across the Scenic Rim, Sunshine Coast, Noosa and Southern Downs areas have benefitted from more than $1 million in grants to help them get back on their feet.
Acting Communities Minister Mark Ryan said grants, such as the Emergency Hardship Assistance (EHA) grants, had made a real difference to the recovery of individuals and families across these parts of Southern Queensland.
"These grants have helped provide a safe place for affected residents to stay and put food on their tables," Mr Ryan said.
"We can't underestimate the importance of help like this, it has taken away the worry of how to pay for food, clothing or medication, particularly for people who were evacuated from their homes with little notice.
"It's also helped people focus on their recovery and get back on their feet faster.
"In the aftermath of this disaster, more than 2800 EHA grant applications have been received online, over the phone and in the community recovery hubs.
"We're now seeing the focus move to the medium to longer-term recovery, with these grants closing at midnight on Friday 27 September."
Our community recovery hubs which have provided support to many residents across the Scenic Rim, Sunshine Coast, Noosa and Southern Down areas will also be closing from 5pm Friday.
Support will continue to be available through the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349, or you can arrange an outreach visit to your home.
Other longer-term grants such as the Essential Household Contents Grants, Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Grants and Structural Assistance Grants will remain available.
Mr Ryan said these grants, which are income tested, are available to eligible residents who are uninsured and have experienced certain loss or damage following this disaster.
All grants are available through the jointly-funded Commonwealth/State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
"This is a long-term recovery effort and we've here for the long-haul to help people get back on their feet," Mr Ryan said.
Affected residents can go to www.communityrecovery.qld.gov.au and download the Self Recovery app or call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 to apply for grants and for advice on how to access support services.
