Southern Downs residents impacted by recent flooding can access assistance at a community recovery hub that opened in Warwick today.
The recovery hub is located at the SDIEA Campus at 163 Palmerin Street, the former site of St Mary’s Primary School, and will be open from 9.00am to 5.00pm seven days a week.
Government agencies and community organisations are on-site to provide impacted people with the necessary information to fast track their recovery.
Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) Mayor Vic Pennisi said residents affected by the flood should act early and attend the recovery hub as soon as they can.
“Flood recovery is a long journey, but immediate help is at hand and I urge the community to attend the recovery hub as soon as they can and without delay,” Cr Pennisi said.
“We know there are challenging times ahead as we recover and rebuild within our community and our hearts go out to those who have been affected.
“Hubs are vital to rebuilding and restoring communities and it is important for our flood affected residents to ask questions to see what assistance they may be able to access.”
He said this includes Emergency Hardship Assistance grants of up to $180 per person and $900 for a family of five or more.
“This is to help cover the costs of essential items such as food, medication and clothing for people who have been directly impacted by this disaster,” Cr Pennisi said.
“We encourage anyone with concerns after the flood to touch base with the various government and non-government agencies on-site now and not delay as the hub is only open for a limited time.”
Emergency Hardship Assistance grant applicants must:
– Live or be stranded in an activated area
– Have suffered hardship as a result of the event
– Be unable to meet their immediate essential needs for food, clothing, medical supplies or temporary accommodation
Flood Recovery Hub details:
Location: SDIEA Campus, 163 Palmerin Street (the former site of St Mary’s Primary School)
Opening hours: 9.00am to 5pm, seven days a week
Opening date: Wednesday 18 May 2022
Agencies: Red Cross, Lifeline, Salvation Army, Queensland Health and the Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy
Council has also established a dedicated portal on its website which will continually be updated with new and helpful resources to assist our region with the recovery process.
Visit www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/floodrecovery for more information.
