People impacted by recent flooding can access assistance at three community recovery hubs to open on Wednesday 18 May in some of the hardest-hit areas.
Minister for Communities and Housing Leeanne Enoch said the community recovery hubs will open in Gatton, Laidley and Warwick with a pop-up hub to open in Beachmere to provide financial assistance and support services to eligible residents affected by the most recent severe weather and flooding.
"We know that some people and families in these regions have only just recovered from the February floods and now they have been impacted again," Ms Enoch said.
"These hubs are a place where residents can talk to community recovery workers, receive referrals for community organisations and other government agencies and those who are experiencing hardship can apply for grants for this May flood event.
"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.
"Such significant flood events only several weeks apart can cause distress and trauma for people affected, and the community recovery hubs can also assist people who need emotional or psychosocial support."
The community recovery hubs will open from Wednesday 18 May, 9am – 5pm, seven days a week at:
- Gatton: Gatton RSL Club, 52 Crescent Street, Gatton
- Laidley: Laidley Sports Complex and Recreational Reserve, Whites Road, Laidley
- Warwick: Southern Downs Industry Education Association (SDIEA), 163 Palmerin Street Warwick
The pop-up hub in Beachmere will operate 9am to 12 noon from Wednesday 18 May to Sunday 22 May at the Beachmere Area Network Group (BANG), Main Street, Beachmere.
Minister Enoch said affected residents in activated areas could also apply for grants or find more information online or over the phone.
"People in affected areas who have electricity or phones can use these channels for assistance without having to visit the hub and disrupt their recovery efforts," she said.
"You can visit www.qld.gov.au/SEQFloodRecoveryMay2022 to check your eligibility, find out what documents you need, and apply online.
"Alternatively, the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 can provide information and assist with grant applications."
Financial assistance is available under jointly-funded Commonwealth/State-Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Other grants such as 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.
For a full list of the activated areas across South-East Queensland visit www.qld.gov.au/SEQFloodRecoveryMay2022.
