Financial assistance and support services are now available to residents of targeted areas within the Scenic Rim Regional Council area who have been directly affected by bushfires over recent days.
Communities Minister Coralee O'Rourke said parts of the Scenic Rim had been impacted by bushfires for several days now, and some people in this region had been forced to evacuate from their homes on numerous occasions.
"Some of these residents are experiencing hardship after having to cover the unexpected costs of accommodation, food, medication and clothes," Mrs O'Rourke said.
"That's why we have activated additional emotional and psychological support services and are providing Emergency Hardship Assistance grants in the worst-affected areas.
"Grants of up to $180 per person, to a maximum of $900 for a family of five or more, are now available to eligible people experiencing genuine financial hardship as a result of the impact of the bushfires."
The activated areas in the Scenic Rim Regional Council are:
- Burnett Creek
- Carneys Creek
- Clumber
- Croftby
- Moogerah
- Barney View
- Moorang
- Mount Barney
- Mount Lindesay
- Palen Creek
- Rosevale
- Tarome
The Palaszczuk Government will also open a Community Recovery Hub tomorrow (November 20) at:
- Boonah Cultural Centre, 3 High Street, Boonah. Opening hours: 9am-4pm daily.
Mrs O'Rourke said parts of the state were continuing to face a traumatic and stressful time as bushfires impact their communities, homes and businesses.
"A range of support services are available across bushfire-impacted communities to help Queenslanders recover from the trauma and distress of this unfolding disaster," she said.
"This includes psychological first aid and emotional support which is being provided by our partner agencies such as the Australian Red Cross and UnitingCare Queensland (UCQ).
"More than 2000 instances of psychological first aid have been provided to people in bushfire-affected communities.
"Anyone who needs emotional support can phone Lifeline on 13 11 14, with the service available 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
"Alternatively, residents can ring the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 to apply for grants over the phone or to seek advice on how to access other support services."
Grant applications can also be completed through the Community Recovery online portal at www.communityrecovery.qld.gov.au or via the Self Recovery app.
The grants have been made available through jointly-funded Commonwealth/State-Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
