Financial assistance and support services are now available to residents in parts of the Noosa Shire who have been directly affected by bushfires over recent days.
Communities Minister Coralee O’Rourke said the severe bushfires had caused devastation to communities, damaging properties and causing residents to evacuate their homes.
“Parts of our state have faced, and are continuing to face, an incredibly traumatic and stressful time as bushfires impact their communities, homes and businesses,” Ms O’Rourke said.
“This is why we have activated additional emotional and psychological support services and are providing Emergency Hardship Assistance grants in the worst-affected areas.
“These grants are a safety net for those who are directly impacted and cannot afford to meet the immediate, unexpected costs of replacing essential items, such as food, medication and clothing.”
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 grants will apply in the Noosa Shire Council areas of Cooroibah, Noosa North Shore and Ringtail Creek.
And the following targeted streets in Tewantin:
* Noosa Banks Estate: Noosa Banks Drive, Tingara Court, Dirum Court, Cooroibah Crescent, Nugun Court, Kalbar Place
* Daintree Park Estate: Golfcourse Drive, Daintree Way, Homestead Drive, Leafhaven Drive, Appleby Lane and Feathertail Court.
Community Recovery Hubs were to open on Tuesday 12 November at the following locations to offer information and support, including grant applications:
* 11 James Street, Yeppoon – from 9am to 5pm daily.
* Noosaville Library,7 Wallace Drive, Noosaville – from 9am to 5pm daily.
Grant applications can also be completed through the Community Recovery online portal at www.communityrecovery.qld.gov.au or via the Self Recovery app.
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.
The Palaszczuk Government is continuing to monitor the current and unfolding bushfire situation across the state.
Ms O’Rourke said Ready Reserve staff would be deployed to affected areas if neededto support locally-led community recovery efforts.
“Our dedicated ready reservists are always on standby to support local residents and to assist with applications for assistance whenever and wherever they are needed,” she said.
“Other income tested 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.”
The grants have been made available through jointly-funded Commonwealth/State-Disaster Relief Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
