The Palaszczuk Government is working directly alongside community organisations and local contractors as North Queensland continues to mop up from the devastating floods of early 2019.
Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said that 1704 people had reached out for housing support since the once-in-a-lifetime floods and no-one was without accommodation.
“The entire government is focused on rebuilding North Queensland and making sure everybody has a safe, secure and affordable place to live,” said Mr de Brenni.
“So far we have helped 1,125 people into long-term homes, and we’re continuing to support 579 people whose homes were among the worst-affected,” he said.
“Some people have chosen to stay with family or friends but we know that, in some cases, welcome mats can wear out after a while.
“This is why we are currently supporting a further 122 people in temporary emergency accommodation.”
Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’Rourke said that the Rental Recovery Hub in Townsville was providing a unique solution to housing woes of tenants, agents and property owners.
“The first step to getting back on your feet is having a safe and secure roof over your head,” said Minister O’Rourke.
“Having the Rental Recovery Hub open 7 days a week has meant Townsville residents can get the help they need at a time that suits them,” she said.
“Local contractors were the backbone of the reconstruction taskforce repairing homes, businesses, schools and hospitals.
“More than 900 licensed builders and tradespeople have signed up to the North Queensland Flood Register and are banding together to help repair water-logged homes, businesses and sporting clubs,” she said.
“The Flood Register is connecting insurers, home owners and private renters to the reliable tradespeople they need.”
Mr de Brenni said that as of last month, almost $900 million in insurance claims had been lodged as a result of the flooding.
“The Insurance Council of Australia is pointing to the North Queensland Flood Register for everyone looking for licensed asbestos removers, electricians, carpenters, plumbers, floor layers, plasterers, hygienists and painters,” he said.
Townsville Cabinet Making and Joinery Owner/Director Allan Meads said his team had been working for three weeks to get Oonoonba State School back to normal.
“When the time came to help during the flood recovery, I was more than willing to make the school a priority to get back some form of normality for the flood-affected community,” Mr Meads said.
“My team understands how their work is important for getting the kids back to school as soon as possible and they have been putting in long hours to do just that.
“Every classroom was pretty much wiped out so we have been busy replacing cupboards, work benches, cabinets and reception counters.
“We have even employed one additional apprentice cabinet-maker so we can get the job done as soon as possible.”
Mr de Brenni urged all North Queensland residents to remain vigilant about the potential effects of mould growth, soil-borne disease and contaminated floodwater.
“Please take all necessary health precautions, including wearing boots, gloves and face masks when working in flood-hit areas,” he said.
