Important Flood Information and Useful Contacts

Clean Up

As the task of cleaning up following floodwater inundation begins in coming days, Council advises residents and business owners to follow these safety tips:

• If your home has been affected by floodwaters, contact a licensed electrician to do a safety check of wiring and switchboards before turning on the power. All electrical equipment that may have come into contact with floodwaters should also be checked by an electrician before using.

• Protect yourself from possible contaminants and bacteria in or left by floodwaters by always wearing rubber gloves and water resistant clothing, including gumboots. You should also wear goggles or a face mask to protect your eyes from any splashing water and cover any open wounds before you start cleaning.

• Make sure all gas and electricity is turned off while you clean up.

• Allow for adequate ventilation by opening windows and doors.

• Be aware that floors will be slippery, even after water has receded.

• Throw out any food that may have come into contact with floodwaters or perishables that would have spoiled due to power.

• Take photos of damaged furniture, draperies, appliances, dishes etc and then remove from your house. Brisbane City Council will have industrial bins available and a kerbside collection for flood damaged goods in affected areas once floodwaters recede. Detailed information of industrial bin locations, kerbside collection areas and times will be advised as soon as possible.

• Watch out for snakes that may have entered your house to escape floodwaters.

Residents in impacted areas can use as much water as necessary to clean flood affected areas but are encouraged to be wise about water use by using high pressure hoses or hose nozzles. Residents in areas not affected by the floods are encouraged to be wise about their water use due to the huge demand on water supplies as the clean up gets underway.

Those residents who have not been affected by the flooding are encouraged to assist neighbours, friends and their local communities in clean up operations.


Financial relief

Brisbane City Council advises that due to the recent flood event, Brisbane ratepayers will be provided with the following financial relief:



• Flood victims will receive an extra 30 days to pay rates bills

• All Brisbane ratepayers in flood affected homes will receive a $100 rebate on their water bill so that they can use the water needed to clean up after the flood.

• Council will not operate parking meters nor enforce timed parking zones and parking bays for 30 days in flood affected areas.



Council advises affected residents to contact their service providers to arrange extensions on any other bills.

Waste

All Council transfer stations are accepting general and green waste free of charge.



There will be no general waste, recycling or green waste bin collections or SITA bulk bin collections until 17 January 2010. Please do not place bins out for collection.


Priority will be given to waste bins during the flood crisis with recycle and green waste bins being a second priority.


Friday, January 14, 2011


Free Public Transport to help with SEQ flood recovery



Anna Bligh has announced that the State Government will provide free public transport for a week to help with the initial flood recovery in South East Queensland.



Ms Bligh said all public transport in Queensland’s south east would be free for a week from today (Friday 14 January).



“Our public transport network is vital to the region’s recovery,” she said.



“Many people don’t have cars, and many others have lost them in the floods. I’m also sure there are also numerous residents who’ve lost their Go Cards.



“We want to help as much as possible and making the network free for a week will keep unnecessary cars off the road, help people do some shopping and get around to help others if needed.



Minister for Transport Rachel Nolan said the measure was intended to assist the flood recovery.



“Let me be clear. This isn’t a ticket to rubberneck. It remains the case that non-essential travel is not encouraged,” she said.



“I know it’s not a lot compared to what some people have lost but every little bit helps.



“We’ve never offered free public transport on this scale, for this long, before.



“It’s unprecedented, but so is the damage and devastation we’ve seen to the lives of so many Queenslanders.”

Ms Nolan said planned fare rises would still go ahead when fares were reinstituted from Saturday 22January.



“We face a massive task of rebuilding our damaged public transport network,” Ms Nolan said.



“And keeping quality services running is vital.



“Every extra cent we receive from these fare increases will go into services and helping rebuild our public transport network.



“That means more seats on buses and more seats on trains.”



Ms Nolan said the State Government would continue to support a large ongoing subsidy for public transport services in the region.



Moneycare



The Salvation Army's Moneycare is a free and confidential financial counselling service for people facing financial difficulties or wanting to avoid financial difficulties in the future. Staff are able to help with a range of issues including budgeting, credit, debt and repossession.

Community Services Centres



Our network of community services centres nationally also provide limited practical assistance for low-income families and individuals who are struggling to make ends meet.



To access support, contact your nearest community services centre and make an appointment. You will be assessed according to need and the resources available at the centre. Please be aware that demand for these services is much greater than our ability to respond.



Community Services assistance may include:



• Cash/ cheque

• Food vouchers or parcels

• Toys and food hampers at Christmas

• Clothing, furniture and other household items

• Accommodation

• Housing costs

• Electricity, gas, rates and other bills

• Public transport fares

• Medical and educational expenses

QLD support services

Brisbane Central Community Services Centre

97 Turbot Street BRISBANE QLD 4000

PO Box 13688 George Street BRISBANE QLD 4003

Ph 07 3211 9230

Fax 07 3211 9234

Caboolture Community Services Centre

21 Mary Street CABOOLTURE QLD 4510

Ph 07 5499 0753

Caloundra Community Services Centre

2 Coora Crescent CURRIMUNDI QLD 4551

Ph 07 5493 6053

Fax 07 5493 8028

Elanora Community Services Centre

Kalamunda Close ELANORA QLD 4221

Ph 07 5521 0997

Greenslopes Community Services Centre

481 Logan Road GREENSLOPES QLD 4120

PO Box 221 STONES CORNER QLD 4120

Ph 07 3394 4184

Fax 07 3324 2409

Inala Community Services Centre

83 Inala Avenue INALA QLD 4077

PO Box 1050 INALA EAST QLD 4077

Ph 07 3372 1889

Fax 07 3278 9342

Inidenous Ministries Community Services Centre

80 Downs Street NORTH IPSWICH QLD 4305

Ph 07 3812 3005

Ipswich Community Services Centre

14 Ellenborough Street IPSWICH QLD 4305

PO Box 227 IPSWICH QLD 4305

Ph 07 3812 2462

Fax 07 3812 3818

Lockyer Valley Community Services Centre

18 Railway Street GATTON QLD 4343

Ph 07 5462 5729

Tuesday and Wednesday, 10am-12pm

Logan City Community Services Centre

8 Blackwood Road WOODRIDGE QLD 4114

PO Box 816 WOODRIDGE QLD 4114

Ph 07 3808 2564

Fax 07 3290 0310

Maroochydore Community Services Centre

Cnr Broadmeadows & Maroochydore Roads MAROOCHYDORE QLD 4558

Ph 07 5443 7775

Maryborough Community Services Centre

Cnr Bazaar & Alice Streets MARYBOROUGH QLD 4650

Ph 07 4121 0182

Nambour Community Services Centre

4 Maud Street NAMBOUR QLD 4560

Ph 07 5441 5538

Fax 07 5476 0792

Nerang Community Services Centre

Shop 5, Dalmar Centre, 43-45 Price Street NERANG QLD 4211

PO Box 599 NERANG QLD 4211

Ph 07 5596 0764

Fax 07 5527 4681

Noosa Community Services Centre

6-8 Bartlett Street NOOSAVILLE QLD 4566

Ph 07 5449 7250

North Brisbane Church Community Welfare Centre

Cnr Handford & Roghan Roads TAIGUM QLD 4018

PO Box 155 TAIGUM QLD 4018

Ph 07 3865 1416

Fax 07 3265 5841

Pine Rivers Community Services Centre

27-29 Lawnton Pocket Road LAWNTON QLD 4501

Ph 07 3285 2401

Fax 07 3285 3918

Southport Community Services Centre

3/80 Davenport Street SOUTHPORT QLD 4215

PO Box 1680 SOUTHPORT QLD 4215

Ph 07 5591 2729

Fax 07 5591 1216

Toowoomba Community Services Centre

10 Snell Street TOOWOOMBA VILLAGE FAIR QLD 4350

PO Box 3069 TOOWOOMBA VILLAGE FAIR QLD 4350

Ph 07 4632 4133

Fax 07 4632 9519

Warwick Community Services Centre

77 Grafton Street WARWICK QLD 4370

Ph (07) 4661 1031

All appointments are made through Centrelink

Wynnum/Capalaba Community Services Centre

107 Akonna Street WYNNUM QLD 4178

PO Box 701 WYNNUM QLD 4178

Ph 07 3393 4713

Fax 07 3393 5066

Support and assistance

Community recovery

Community Services

Updates and types of support available for people experiencing personal hardship due to the flooding. Community Recovery Hotline: People experiencing personal hardship due to the flooding can call 1800 173 349.



Australian Red Cross

Australian Red Cross assists communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from local disasters and emergencies such as flooding. With the help of Red Cross, you can also reconnect with family and friends through the National Registration and Inquiry System.



Centrelink

Centrelink has a range of payments and services that you may be eligible for to support you in an emergency or crisis, whether or not you are already a Centrelink customer. www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/emergency/qld_flooding_dec10.htm



Queensland Health

For practical health advice during and after floods and after floods, call 13 43 25 84 or visit the Queensland Health website www.health.qld.gov.au/healthieryou/disaster/



General first aid for bites and stings

Equip yourself with first aid knowledge as animals, reptiles and insects move to higher ground to seek refuge from the flood water.



Loss of birth certificates and deferral of outstanding fines

Flood victims can now apply for free replacement birth, death, marriage or change-of-name certificates. Flood victims with outstanding fines with the State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER) can apply to have the fines temporarily deferred.



Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA)

The NDRRA funding program helps Councils restore local infrastructure in the wake of a natural disaster.

Assistance for primary producers and small businesses

Assistance for primary producers and small business

The Queensland Government is providing financial assistance to primary producers and small businesses affected by the flooding.



Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority

Primary producers are urged to contact the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority for assistance.



Financial counselling

To access a free confidential Queensland Government financial counselling service for primary producers, to help manage floods and other impacts.

Rebuilding and repairing homes

The Building Services Authority (BSA)

Information and advice for residents, builders and trade contractors on rebuilding and repairing damaged homes.



Electrical and workplace safety after flooding

Stay safe as you clean up after flooding. Be aware of electrical hazards and other general cleanup dangers including safe removal of asbestos and use of chainsaws.



Plumbing and flood damaged premises

Some simple advice for repairing your flood damaged pool fencing, plumbing and homes.

Insurance

If you have a question about your insurance policy, or need help identifying your insurer, call the Insurance Council of Australia's 24-hour emergency hotline on 1300 728 228.



The Insurance Council of Australia advises policyholders impacted by recent flood waters to make contact with their insurance companies, so claims can be assessed as soon as possible.



When residents are able to return to their properties and make their own initial assessment, if damage has been suffered they should immediately contact their insurer to lodge a claim and clear up any insurance queries they may have.



The Insurance Council encourages policyholders to:



• Make contact with your insurance company and seek advice about the claim process under your policy.

• Contact your insurer before authorising major repairs.

• Not be concerned if insurance documents have been lost or damaged due to the flood. Insurance companies keep records electronically and only require the policyholders' name and address in order to locate a policy.

• Consider removal of water and mud damaged possessions. Carpets and soft furnishings can be removed from the building as part of the clean up. But if possible take photos before removing your possessions so they can be inspected by your insurer.

• Make an inventory of the possessions that have been damaged as a result of the flood as this may assist in the claim process.



It is important to note that insurance policies vary. The Insurance Council advises policyholders to check with their insurer to see whether the following options are available:



• The cost of removing insured debris from your home and surrounding property. (Check before arranging collection). Local councils may assist with the removal.

• Temporary accommodation costs. (Conditions may apply - seek clarification prior to booking and paying for temporary accommodation).



For more insurance information and advice contact the Insurance Council of Australia on 1300 728 228. For dispute resolution you can also contact the Insurance Ombudsman Service.

Assistance for flooded households in South East Qld

Residents affected by flooding in South East Queensland can access assistance from the Queensland Government and partner agencies to help them recover from the effects of widespread flooding.



Communities Minister Karen Struthers said the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements had been activated in the Brisbane, Toowoomba, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim, and Somerset local government areas.



The recovery arrangement provides Personal Hardship Assistance grants to cover the costs of essential items such as food, clothing and accommodation.



Ms Struthers said people directly affected by having their homes flooded deserved all the support they could get.





Personal Hardship Assistance Grant



Personal Hardship Assistance may be available to individuals and families who do not have the capacity to meet immediate, unexpected basic costs for food, clothing, medical supplies or accommodation caused by the disaster.



This grant is a non-means tested once-off payment of $170 per person, up to a maximum of $850 for a family of five or more.



Personal Hardship Assistance are not means tested, however if you are seeking assistance you will need to establish that you have experienced, or will experience, personal hardship as a result of the disaster.



Individuals and families can express an interest in this grant by calling:

1800 173 349



“When weather permits Community Recovery outreach teams will be activated to visit and assess eligibility for additional assistance to people in affected communities.”



Eligibility for an Essential Household Contents Grant or a Structural Assistance Grant

Essential Household Contents Grants may be available to low-income families to help with the replacement or repair of uninsured, essential household contents which have been lost, damaged or destroyed by flooding.

Essential Household Contents Grant

An Essential Household Contents Grant may be available to people who own essential household contents that have been lost or damaged in the disaster and who do not have contents insurance.



This grant is a means tested once-off payment of up to $1,705 per adult, up to a maximum of $5,120 for a couple/family.



Eligible household contents may include cooking utensils, clothing, bedding and linen, floor coverings, essential furniture and white goods and food lost due to storm damage. The grant assists with the repair or replacement of essential items and maximum limits apply for individual items.



An income test will be applied to applications for this grant. If you are eligible, departmental officers will visit your home, to assess the damage and to complete an application form with you.



You can apply for this grant by calling 1800 173 349.

Structural Assistance Grant

A Structural Assistance Grant may be available to property owners whose home has been damaged by the disaster. The home must be uninsured for this disaster event, owned by the applicant and their sole place of residence at the time of the disaster. The grant provides a contribution towards repair of the residence to a habitable and secure condition.



This grant is a means tested once-off payment of up to $10,500 per individual, and up to $14,200 for a couple/family, less amounts paid as an Emergent Assistance Grant and/or Essential Household Contents Grant.



An income and assets test will be applied to applications for this grant. If you are eligible, departmental officers will visit your home to assess the damage and to complete an application form with you.



You can apply for this grant by calling 1800 173 349.

Other financial assistance

Financial assistance may also be available through other government agencies as follows:

The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment of $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per child is available to eligible people adversely affected by the Queensland flooding. Centrelink also has a Disaster Income Recovery Subsidy and a range of other payments and services to support people in an emergency or crisis, whether or not you are already a Centrelink customer. For more information, visit the Centrelink website or call the Emergency Assistance Hotline on 180 2266.

Low interest rate loans of up to $250,000 for eligible primary producers and small businesses located within a disaster-declared area can be obtained through QRAA (Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority). For more information, visit QRAA or freecall 1800 623 946.

Grants up to $25,000 are available for primary producers and small businesses to pay for costs arising out of damage caused by the November and December flood crisis. Assistance is provided through an initial claim of up to $5,000 to assist with immediate early recovery and subsequent claim of up to $20,000 to repair direct flood damage. The maximum amount available under the scheme is $25,000. For more information, visit QRAA or freecall 1800 623 946.


Important contacts

• SES: 132 500

• Disaster Recovery Hotline: 1800 173 349

• Donate: 1800 219 028 (0600 – 2300 7 days)

• Centrelink: 180 22 66

• Insurance Council of Australia: 1300 728 228

• Volunteering Queensland: 1800 994 100

• General enquiries and assistance: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

• Premier’s Flood Relief appeal - The best way is to donate to the Premier’s Flood Relief appeal: www.qld.gov.au/floods

• St Vincent de Paul Society Flood Appeal - St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland has opened the Vinnies Christmas Flood Appeal to assist Queenslanders affected by flooding. St Vincent de Paul Society Volunteers in affected areas report that what they need now is funds.

• http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/support.html\

• www.communityservices.qld.gov.au/community/community-recovery/support-assistance/support-assistance.html

Stacey Holt Real Estate Excellence http://www.realestattexcellence.com.au/