$14 MILLION FOR QUEENSLAND COMMUNITIES IMPACTED BY BUSHFIRES

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien has welcomed a $14 million Community Recovery Package to support the mental health and resilience of Queensland communities affected by the bushfires last year, including Noosa.

“Mental health support is absolutely critical in the wake of natural disasters like these bushfires, as people can experience a range of emotions and behaviours that can be intense, confusing and frightening,” Mr O’Brien said.

“This funding will allow affected people to receive the necessary support to deal with emotions such as grief, stress, guilt and depression, and provide strategies and assistance as their community recovers.”
The Community Recovery Package would be provided through the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

“This latest extraordinary assistance funding will provide urgent support to address community needs including mental health and wellbeing,” Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said.

“Queensland communities were severely affected by catastrophic bushfires between September and December last year, having a devastating impact on homes, businesses and the environment.

“The physical damage of the bushfires has taken a heavy emotional toll on individuals, families and the wider community, and we need to ensure the mental health needs of our people are supported.

“This Phase 2 package includes $4.7 million to address the risk to the mental health and wellbeing of communities doing it tough and $3 million to employ Community Development Officers. 

“In addition, $6 million has been allocated for a flexible grants program for non-government organisations, communities groups and local governments to support locally-led recovery and resilience-building activities.” 

Community Development Officers will be employed to work across Livingstone, Lockyer Valley, Noosa, Scenic Rim, Somerset and Southern Downs Council areas to address recovery needs and develop community-led action plans. 

The Phase 2 Community Recovery Package will support recovery for communities in the local government areas impacted by the Southern Queensland Bushfires, 6-12 September 2019 and the Eastern Queensland Bushfires, 8 November to 19 December 2019.
 

ENDS
 

Media Contact:
Douglas Ferguson 0455 448 985 (Minister Littleproud)
Zoe Russell 0439 982 347   (Premier Palaszczuk)