With communities across Queensland continuing to be impacted by devastating bushfires, The Palaszczuk Government has activated community recovery support for more areas across the Gladstone, Bundaberg and Rockhampton regions.
Acting Communities Minister Shannon Fentiman said financial assistance and support services had been extended to residents in the hard-hit communities of Captain Creek, Winfield, Alton Downs and Nine Mile. "While this unprecedented disaster continues to unfold and conditions in some parts of the state are still very dangerous, we are putting in place support services to help people get back on their feet" Ms Fentiman said.
"This includes our dedicated Ready Reserves, who are travelling from all over the state to work in hard-hit areas and help local residents recover from these devastating bushfires.
"More than 60 Ready Reserves are already place in affected areas to support local residents."
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.
These grants of up to $180 per person, to a maximum of $900 for a family of five or more, are provided to people experiencing genuine financial hardship as a result of the bushfires.
The other areas already activated are:
Gladstone Regional Council areas:
- Ambrose
- Baffle Creek
- Deepwater
- Mt. Larcom
- Oyster Creek
- Rules Beach
- Taunton
Mackay Regional Council areas:
- Crediton
- Campwin Beach
- Sarina Beach
- Dalrymple Heights
- Eungella
- Finch Hatton,
- Netherdale
Rockhampton Regional Council areas:
- Gracemere
- Kabra
- Stanwell
Community recovery hubs are open in areas including Miriam Vale and Gracemere. Mackay from 3pm today (30 November).
Two more community recovery hubs will open tomorrow in Mirani and Sarina.
People who are experiencing personal hardship due to the bushfires can also download and use the Self-recovery app, go to www.communityrecovery.qld.gov.au or contact the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.
