Queensland Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Craig Crawford

Extra Disaster Help For Queensland Communities Hit By Bushfires

Victor P Taffa

Assistant Minister for Home Affairs Senator the Hon. Linda Reynolds and Queensland Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Craig Crawford today announced additional disaster assistance for communities affected by the devastating bushfires in Central Queensland in November and December.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Assistant Minister Reynolds, who has responsibility for Commonwealth disaster assistance, said a Category C Community Recovery Package is being made available to provide further support for community recovery.

 

“Bushfires have had a devastating impact on the lives of many Queenslanders and today’s announcement will go some way to ensuring the social fabric of our communities is restored.” Assistant Minister Reynolds said.

“Category C Package also includes funding to build community resilience through a range of information and education initiatives to help people understand how they can better prepare for and respond to bushfire events.”

“Commonwealth and Queensland governments will continue to work together to ensure affected communities receive the support and assistance they need to recover during this difficult time.”

Minister Crawford said many communities, particularly those directly affected by bushfires, had been left traumatised and in need of additional mental health support.

“Targeted specialist mental health support, including access to specialists, mental health awareness programs and clinical interventions for children and young people, will be rolled out across affected communities to help people who are suffering.” Minister Crawford said.

“Package will also support the longer-term recovery effort through the engagement of Community Development Officers to work with affected communities and identify how best to support the recovery effort going forward.”

“Other recovery initiatives under the package include community led recovery and resilience grants and funding clean-up and reinstatement activities. Further information on these programs will be released shortly.” Minister Crawford said.