Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Queensland Premier Anna Bligh have announced a $39 million package to support the recovery and wellbeing of people in Queensland following the recent spate of natural disasters.

 

The package was launched under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements in Queensland to assist communities to confront the challenges associated with long-term recovery.

 

The package includes:

  • $20 million for community development and recovery funds on the ground to provide intensive support to the State’s most highly impacted local communities, including supporting not-for-profit community groups, events and memorials; 
  • Up to $10 million for a Mental Health Disaster Recovery Package to support mental health services in disaster-affected communities in Queensland on top of $1.2 million in funding announced earlier this year. Local organisations on the ground within the mental health sector will receive much needed funding to bolster their excellent work within severely affected communities.
  • Up to $5.8 million Financial Counselling to provide support to families and individuals affected by the disasters who are experiencing financial problems.
  • A $2 million Disabilities Care Plan to help a number of non-government organisations across Queensland to deliver crisis accommodation and respite care for people with a disability.

 

Further details of the services that will be funded under the Community Recovery and Wellbeing Package will be settled with the Queensland Government over the coming days and will be consistent with NDRRA requirements.

 

For more information contact the Queensland Department of Communities on 137 468.