The Palaszczuk Government is ramping up its efforts to support people affected by the recent bushfires, with financial assistance and support services now extended to residents in impacted communities across the Sunshine Coast.
Communities Minister Coralee O'Rourke said many residents in parts of the Noosa and Sunshine Coast local government areas had faced an incredibly traumatic and stressful time as bushfires approached their communities and destroyed and damaged homes.
"The bushfires have had a significant impact on the Sunshine Coast region, with thousands of people evacuated from their homes over the past few days," Mrs O'Rourke said.
"We know that we're not completely through this event, with high fire ratings returning in the coming days.
"As always, we're here to support individuals, families and communities get back on their feet and recover.
"I want to reassure local residents that our hard-working Ready Reserves have been deployed and are already on the ground to lead recovery efforts following the bushfires."
Through jointly-funded Commonwealth/State-Disaster Relief Funding Arrangements (DRFA), Emergency Hardship Assistance grants are available to help cover the costs of essential items, such as food and clothing, for people directly impacted by this disaster.
The grants provide up to $180 per person, to a maximum of $900 for a family of five or more, to people experiencing genuine financial hardship as a result of the bushfires.
The new areas that have been activated are:
Noosa Shire Council
o Peregian Beach
o Marcus Beach
Sunshine Coast Regional Council
o Peregian Beach
o Peregian Springs
o Peregian Breeze Estate
o Weyba Downs
This is in addition to the suburbs and towns of Applethorpe; Binna Burra; Beechmont Township; Canungra; Sarabah; and Illinbah (Tabletop road only) that were activated for Emergency Hardship Assistance grants on Sunday (8 September).
A community recovery hub has been established and will open tomorrow (Thursday 12 September) at the Peregian Beach Community House, 255 David Low Way (Cnr Woodland Drive) Peregian Beach. It will be open from 9am – 5pm daily.
Other grants such the Essential Household Contents Grant, Structural Assistance Grant and Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Grant are also available to eligible residents who are uninsured and have experienced certain loss or damage following this disaster.
If you would like to offer assistance by volunteering please contact Volunteering Queensland and register your interest at emergencyvolunteering.com.au.
To donate funds, goods or services to the 'Queensland Fires 2019 Appeal' visit the GIVIT website at givit.org.au/disasters.
People who are experiencing hardship due to the bushfires can download and use the Self-recovery app, go to www.communityrecovery.qld.gov.au
