Support for fire-affected communities

Not-for-profit organisations in bushfire-affected Queensland communities can now apply for assistance, thanks to joint Commonwealth-State Government funding.

Organisations in fire-affected Scenic Rim and Southern Downs communities can apply for up to $100,000 funding under the Disaster Assistance (Not-for-Profit Organisations) Loans and Disaster Assistance (Essential Working Capital) Loans Scheme for Not-for-Profit Organisations.

Announcing the loans schemes, Minister for Communities Coralee O’Rourke said the funding would further help bushfire-affected residents.

“Not-for-profit organisations play a vital role in our communities, including assisting communities to recover from and build resilience in the wake of disasters,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“We are working alongside these organisations in bushfire-affected communities, where they deliver much-needed services to residents in need of assistance.

“These loan schemes recognise the role not-for-profit organisations play in helping these communities recover and I’d encourage eligible organisations to apply.”

The Disaster Assistance (Not-for-Profit Organisations) Loans and Disaster Assistance (Essential Working Capital) Loans Scheme for Not-for-Profit Organisations are administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA).

These loans are jointly-funded through Commonwealth/State-Disaster Relief Funding Arrangements.

Mrs O’Rourke said in addition to the loan schemes for not-for-profit organisations, the Palaszczuk Government is also supporting fire-affected residents through a range of financial assistance.

“Emergency Hardship grants of $180 per person, up to $900 for a family of five or more, have been made available through jointly-funded Commonwealth/State-Disaster Relief Funding Arrangements,” she said.

“Other grants such the Essential Household Contents Grant and Structural Assistance Grant, which are income tested, are also available to eligible residents in these areas who are uninsured and have experienced certain loss or damage following this disaster.”

Residents experiencing hardship due to the bushfires can apply for assistance using the Self-recovery app, online at www.communityrecovery.qld.gov.au or by phoning the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

They can also visit one of the Community Recovery Hubs at the following locations:

• Stanthorpe Civic Centre, 61 Marsh St, Stanthorpe
• Moriarty Park Community Sports Centre, Monarch Drive, Canungra

These hubs will be open from 9am to 5pm daily until further notice.

Mrs O’Rourke praised the spirit of bushfire-affected communities and thanked all those assisting these communities for their hard work over the past week.

“Queenslanders are resilient, and we will recover from these devastating fires,” she said.

“On behalf of all Queenslanders, I’d like to thank all the workers, volunteers and residents for their hard work during this trying time.”

Source
Media Statement
Minister for Communities and Minister for Disability Services and Seniors
The Honourable Coralee O’Rourke