Financial assistance and support services are now available for primary producers and residents affected by bushfires in the central Queensland.
Eligible primary producers in Gladstone, Mackay and Rockhampton have access to concessional loans of up to $250,000, essential working capital loans of up to $100,000 and freight subsidies of up to $5,000, through jointly-funded Commonwealth/State-Disaster Relief Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Affected small businesses in these areas are also able to access concessional loans of up to $250,000 and essential working capital loans of up to $100,000.
Emergency Hardship Assistance grants of up to $180 per person, to a maximum of $900 for a family of five or more, are also available to help cover the costs of essential items, such as food and clothing for eligible residents in the Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Livingstone and Isaac council areas.
While other grants such the Essential Household Contents Grant, Structural Assistance Grant and Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Grant are also available to residents who are uninsured and have experienced certain loss or damage following this disaster.
Community Recovery Ready Reserve staff are being deployed to community hubs in Miriam Vale, Mackay, Gracemere, Mirani, Sarina and Baffle Creek to assist with recovery efforts by supporting locals to access grants and connect them to support services on the ground. (See details below)
Grant applications for emergency hardship assistance can be completed through the Community Recovery online portal at www.communityrecovery.qld.gov.au or by downloading the Self Recovery app.
Residents without internet access can ring the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 to apply for grants and for advice on how to access support services over the phone.
Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au and the Queensland Government’s Disaster Management website at www.disaster.qld.gov.au.
Queensland’s bushfire recovery efforts will be coordinated by Major-General (retired) Stuart Smith. Major General Smith will support Central Queensland communities impacted by the recent bushfires in his role as State Recovery Coordinator.
The Major-General will work with Local Disaster Management Groups, state agencies and non-profit organisations to identify what support is required for a complete recovery.
Recovery from these bushfires will include rebuilding infrastructure, local economies and the environment and will focus on the health of emotional wellbeing of those impacted.
Queenslander’s wanting to lend their own support to individuals and families impacted by these unprecedented bushfires can do so through Givit. Givit is coordinating all donations on behalf of the Queensland Government and affected Regional Councils. People can donations at www.givit.org.au.
Community Hub Locations:
Mackay
44 Nelson St, Mackay
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm daily
Mirani
Council Building
20 Victoria St, Mirani
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm daily
Sarina
Surf Lifesaving Club
1 Owen Jenkins Dr, Sarina Beach
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm daily
Gracemere
Community Centre
Barry Street, Gracemere
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm daily
Closes 5pm on Thursday 20 December
Baffle Creek
Wartburg Sports Ground
569 Coast Road, Baffle Creek
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm daily
Closes 5pm on Tuesday 18 December
