Media Release: 25 June 2020
Vital flood recovery services will continue in Townsville for another 12 months with almost $290,000 in additional funding to help the community rebuild after the devastating 2019 monsoon event.
Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud today announced that Family Emergency Accommodation Flood Recovery Support Service, Women’s Flood Recovery Counselling Service and Townsville Flood Recovery Support Service would share in the additional funding.
“We know that recovering from a disaster of the size and scale of the North Queensland floods doesn’t happen overnight – it can take years – so I’m delighted to announce this additional funding today,” Mr Littleproud said.
“It means these three organisations can continue to offer vital counselling, accommodation and emotional support to flood-affected Townsville residents.
“These services are really beneficial in offering real life experience and know how to help those in need with their recovery.
“The Government is commitment to supporting drought, flood, storm and fire affected communities, and will stand shoulder to shoulder with them until the job is done.”
Minister for Communities Coralee O’Rourke said these three services were providing vital support to Townsville residents who continue to feel the impacts almost 18 months after the flooding.
“Between February 2019 and April 2020, these services provided support to around 380 people who are still experiencing difficulties as a result of the floods,” Mrs O’Rourke said.
“The continuation of these services is a key part of the ongoing longer-term flood recovery effort for the Townsville community.”
The North Queensland Combined Women’s Services will receive almost $160,000 to deliver counselling and support through the Townsville Women’s Centre to women and their children who are experiencing ongoing physical and emotional distress due to the floods.
Family Emergency Accommodation Townsville will receive almost $73,000 to continue delivering support to families in the Townsville area experiencing accommodation issues as a result of the floods.
The Salvation Army Property Trust will receive more than $51,000 funding to deliver ongoing practical and emotional support to flood-affected Townsville residents.
These services are jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Mrs O’Rourke said the Queensland Government was committed to supporting Townsville’s recovery for the long-term.
“The residents of Townsville have shown extraordinary resilience as they continue to recover from these devastating floods – and as a Townsville resident I am very proud of their efforts.”
For more information or assistance, contact the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 or go to www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies
