Financial assistance and support services are now available to residents of Woodgatewho have been directly affected by bushfires over recent days.
Communities Minister Coralee O’Rourke said Woodgate, including Kinkuna Estate and Walkers Point, was one of several communities that had felt the wrath of bushfires over recent days.
“There are people in Woodgate who were forced to evacuate from their homes and 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, which now includes Woodgate.
“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.”
A pop-up Community Recovery Hub will open from Sunday, 17 November at the Woodgate Community Hall, 1 Kangaroo Court, Woodgate Beach between 9am and 5pm daily to offer information and support, including grant applications.
The other areas already activated are:
- Livingstone Shire Council area:
Targeted areas within the following localities: Adelaide Park, Barmaryee, Barmoya, Bondoola, Bungundarra, Byfield, Canal Creek, Cobraball, Farnborough, Greenlake, Inverness, Lake Mary, Maryvale, Mulara, Pacific Heights, Rossmoya, Sandringham, Wattlebank and Woodbury.
- Noosa Shire Council area: Cooroibah, Noosa North Shore and Ringtail Creek.
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 are also open at the following locations:
- Ground floor, 7-9 James Street, Yeppoon – from 9am to 5pm daily; and
- Noosaville Library,7 Wallace Drive, Noosaville – from 9am to 5pm 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 the Australian Red Cross and UnitingCare Queensland (UCQ).
“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 Relief Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
