RECOVERY INFORMATION
Over the last week of January 2019 and the first week of February, torrential rainfalls over far North Queensland caused widespread flooding.
During the event, Etheridge Shire experienced damage to road infrastructure and major stock losses.
Recovery Wellbeing Support
Recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process. Knowing how to access support makes the process faster and less stressful. Below is some useful information on recovering from a disaster:
Resources
The Queensland Government website has a range of resources and information available for anyone seeking mental healt and wellbeing assistance while recovering from a disaster:
https://www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies/recovery-after-disaster/support
NQ Connect
NQ Connect provides flood-affected residents with access to a dedicated mental health support service, providing confidential 24/7 counselling support during flood recovery. There are people you can talk to in this time of crisis. If you would like to talk with a professional counsellor, call NQ Connect 24/7 on 1300 059 625, or visit the NQ Connect website for web chat, video counselling or online discussion forums.
Community Trauma Toolkit
The Community Trauma Toolkit is designed specifically for adults and services to support the social and emotional wellbeing and mental health of infants and children through the different stages of a disaster or traumatic event, and is grouped by these key audiences: GPs, health and social service practitioners, first responders, community leaders, parents and carers, and educators.
This is a free evidence-based toolkit and contains a series of resources and training material developed to support young people recover after a disaster.
Business Assistance
Small Business and Non-Profit Organisation
Applications for Special Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants are available to assist small businesses and non-profits to assist with clean-up and reinstatement costs. On Friday 1 March 2019, the Prime Minister announced an increase in grants to affected small businesses from $25,000 to $50,000 to be made available under the joint Commonwealth-Queensland Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
For more information or to apply visit http://www.qrida.qld.gov.au or phone 1800 623 946.
Primary Producers
Applications for Special Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants up to a maximum of $75,000 are available to assist eligible primary producers to assist with clean-up and reinstatement costs. Please note, the closing date for applications is 9 August 2019.
For more information or to apply visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au or phone 1800 623 946.
Carcass Disposal Assistance Grant - Producers can apply for $5000 Australian Government carcass disposal grants to help with disposal costs through their local council.
Small Business Disaster Hub
The Queensland Government has various tools and resources available for small businesses and primary producers recovering after a natural disaster on the Small Business Disaster Hub.
Navigate through the website to find resources that will help your business prevent, prepare, respond, recover, and communicate through a natural disaster.
Environment
After a flood disaster environmental recovery includes the restoration and regeneration of biodiversity (species and plants) and ecosystems, natural resources and environmental infrastructure. It also includes the management of environmental health, waste, contamination and pollution, and hazardous materials.
Factsheets:
- Avoiding zoonotic disasters in flood recovery
- Safety considerations when trenching to bury carcasses
Recovery After A Disaster – Useful Links
The Queensland Government publishes a Recovery after a disaster webpage with useful links for Queenslanders:
www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies/recovery-after-disaster.