The State Government is continuing to roll out support to flood-affected areas across the south-east, with the next community recovery hub now open in Ipswich.
Minister for Communities and Housing Leeanne Enoch said the opening of the hub at the Ipswich Trades Hall and the planned opening of the Logan Hub at Kingston East Neighbourhood Centre from Sunday (6 March), meant that there will soon be five hubs operating across south-east Queensland.
"These locations are amongst the hardest hit by the recent flooding, and we know there is a demand for hubs where flood-affected residents can access face-to-face financial and emotional support," Ms Enoch said.
"Community recovery hubs are a place where people impacted by the floods can speak to community recovery workers, apply for grants and be referred to other support organisations."
Minister Enoch said the hub at the Ipswich Trades Hall will be open from 9am to 5pm seven days a week, and the hub at the Kingston East Neighbourhood Centre will be open from 9am to 4pm seven days a week from Sunday (6 March).
The openings come against the backdrop of the unpredictable and dangerous weather conditions we're currently experiencing, which threatens to hamper recovery efforts.
"I urge everyone to heed the advice from authorities to limit your movements as these thunderstorms roll through," Ms Enoch said.
Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said Hubs like these are vital in helping to restore and rebuild Communities.
"These dedicated Community Recovery Hubs will help affected individuals and families access the financial assistance and support services that they need to assist with their recovery."
"This includes 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, for people who have been directly impacted by this disaster," she said.
Attorney-General and Member for Waterford Shannon Fentiman welcomed the planned opening of the Logan hub from Sunday.
"Logan was one of the last and hardest hit communities by this devastating event, many people had to leave their homes with little more than the clothes on their backs so this assistance can help them to get those necessities.
"It's been wonderful to see our community come out in force to support each other but it's so important that impacted locals know that help and grants are available," she said.
Minister Enoch said additional community recovery hubs will continue to be opened in the coming days as we identify areas of need and gain access to impacted communities.
"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 or phone the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.
"Queenslanders can also visit www.qld.gov.au/SEQRecoveryGrants to check their eligibility, find out what documents they need, and apply online.
Currently, Community recovery hubs are also open from 9am – 5pm, seven days a week at:
- Caboolture: Learning and Business Centre, Level 1, 4 Hasking Street, Caboolture
- Redcliffe: Webb Hall, Redcliffe Showgrounds, Scarborough Road, Redcliffe
- Gympie: Gympie Civic Centre, 32 Mellor Street, Gympie
- Ipswich: Ipswich Trades Hall, 4 Bells Street, Ipswich
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, 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.
