THE HON DAVID LITTLEPROUD MP
MINISTER FOR WATER RESOURCES, DROUGHT, RURAL FINANCE, NATURAL DISASTER AND EMERGENCY MANGEMENT
THE HON CRAIG CRAWFORD MP
QUEENSLAND MINISTER FOR FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
11 September 2019
BUSHFIRE ASSISTANCE EXTENDED FOR MORE QUEENSLAND COMMUNITIES
Disaster assistance has been extended to help cover the costs of fighting the fires in Noosa and the Sunshine Coast, as southern Queensland’s current bushfire emergency continues to unfold.
In addition, Emergency Hardship Assistance grants are available for people in these areas directly impacted by the disaster and funding for the restoration of essential public assets has been extended to the Scenic Rim Regional Council.
Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said this announcement was in addition to the DRFA assistance already available in the Scenic Rim and the Southern Downs local government areas as a result of the bushfires.
“Grants are now available to alleviate personal hardship and help reconnect essential services in Marcus Beach and Peregian Beach in Noosa Shire Council. The grants are also for Peregian Beach, Peregian Breeze Estate, Peregian Springs and Weyba Downs in Sunshine Coast Regional Council,” Minister Littleproud said.
“These grants of up to $180 per person, to a maximum of $900 for a family of five or more, are available to eligible people experiencing genuine financial hardship as a result of the bushfires.
“The Commonwealth and Queensland Governments continue to work closely to support ongoing recovery efforts and identify where further assistance can be provided.”
Queensland Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Craig Crawford said assistance had also been extended to the local councils of Sunshine Coast and Noosa to help fight the fires.
“These fires in Noosa and the Sunshine Coast are related to the same devastating weather system and conditions as the fires we’ve seen over the weekend in the Scenic Rim and the Southern Downs,” Minister Crawford said.
“These measures will ensure the same level of support of the impacted communities and help with the cost of counter disaster operations as councils move into recovery.”
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.
Anyone in need of assistance should contact the Queensland Government Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.
