Disaster assistance has been made available for bushfire affected Scenic Rim and Southern Downs communities including Applethorpe, Canungra, Beechmont Township, Binna Burra, Sarabah and parts of Illinbah.
Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said assistance payments were now available for those facing personal hardship due to the fires.
“These are cash payments to help those affected by the fires, with their immediate personal needs,” Minister Littleproud said.
“This could be new food or clothing as some people are left with just the shirt on their back.
“These are devastating bushfires. Hundreds of residents have been evacuated and a number of houses and other infrastructure have been destroyed.
“Through the DRFA, we are providing personal hardship assistance to those hit the hardest.
“A range of assistance programs are now available to help aid community recovery and to fund the ongoing response.”
Queensland Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Craig Crawford said fire crews, including crews from interstate have been fighting the blaze tirelessly and aerial firefighting operations have also been helping to contain the fires.
“As always, our first responders do a remarkable job of protecting Queensland communities and I commend them for their efforts so far in what has been a devastating start to the season,” Mr Crawford said.
“The funding available through the DRFA will help cover the cost of fighting the bushfires and provide support to individuals that have been severely impacted.
“We will continue to closely monitor the situation as it unfolds and will work side by side with the Commonwealth to provide disaster assistance to impacted communities.”
For information and support phone the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.
Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au and the Queensland Government’s Disaster Management website at www.disaster.qld.gov.au.
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