The Palaszczuk Government’s community recovery efforts are in full swing across Townsville, including teams of outreach workers who are visiting some of the worst-hit areas to help people who are experiencing hardship in the wake of the flooding.
Communities Minister Coralee O’Rourke said boots were on the ground, with four outreach teams comprising Ready Reserves, Lifeline staff and Red Cross representatives.
“These teams have already been out in areas such as Idalia, Railway Estate, Mundingburra, Oonoonba, Rosslea and West End to extend face-to-face support to people who are doing it tough,” Mrs O’Rourke said.
“Outreach teams can assist with grant applications, provide referrals to other organisations and agencies and offer information and support.
“We know many people might now be focused on cleaning up their homes and don’t have the time to attend a community recovery hub, so face-to-face support at their own home can be a big help.”
The outreach teams are part of a 500-strong community recovery workforce currently mobilised across the state.
More than 270 Ready Reserves are currently working in Townsville.
Mrs O’Rourke said outreach teams would get out to as many affected communities as possible over the coming days and weeks.
“This is a long-term community recovery effort and we will be here for as long as the community needs us to get back on their feet,” she said.
“In addition to outreach, people who are experiencing personal hardship due to the flooding can also download and use the Self-recovery app, go to or contact the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.
“This includes accessing Emergency Hardship Assistance grants of $180 per person, up to $900 for a family of five or more, help cover the costs of essential items such as food, clothing, medication and accommodation, which are available to everyone who lives in the Townsville local government area.”
Other grants such the Essential Household Contents Grant, Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Grant and Structural Assistance Grant, which are income tested, are also available to eligible residents who are uninsured and have experienced certain loss or damage following this disaster.
The grants are made available through jointly-funded Commonwealth/State-Disaster Relief Funding Arrangements.
