Moreton Bay Regional Council rolls out its $15 million COVID-19 stimulus package

Almost 20 Moreton community groups have received a helping hand from the local council so that they can keep delivering vital services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moreton Bay Regional Council has handed out more than $220,000 in hardship and assistance grants to 16 community groups – as part of the council’s new $15 million COVID-19 economic stimulus package.

Mayor-Elect Peter Flannery said it was great to see the stimulus package was able to be delivered so quickly.

“Local community groups need money now to support those doing in tough, that’s why we’re focused on delivering such speedy turnarounds to ensure their invaluable work continues,” Cr Flannery said.

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“Up to $10,000 has already hit the bank accounts of 16 local organisations, from not-for-profit groups to local sports clubs, to immediately begin lifting financial burdens from rental costs to creating and delivering food hampers and basic supplies.”

The council received 63 grant submissions since applications opened at the end of March.

Grant recipients to date include Meals on Wheels Pine Rivers, Encircle Redcliffe, the Hand in Hand Community Project at Kallangur and A Brave Life in Brendale.

Micah Lean (right) of Encircle Redcliffe at the Breakfast Club of Redcliffe with Mark Millard and Helen Bambling.

Micah Lean from Encircle Redcliffe said the organisation planned to use their $10,000 grant to support food and medical delivery services to vulnerable residents impacted by COVID-19.

“With this additional money, we can provide one hundred $50 food vouchers with the option for home delivery, as well as essential medical supplies, to our disadvantaged residents in the Redcliffe Peninsula,” Mr Lean said.

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“It’s incredible that we’ve already received the funds and have started producing more food parcels to keep up with demand and distribute through our new drive-thru pick-up service.

“If there’s one thing this pandemic has shown us, is the community’s ability to unite to defeat this pandemic.”

The stimulus package also includes rate relief options and plans to roll out more capital works projects.

For more information and to apply, visit https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Services/Community-Support/Grants-and-Funding/COVID-19-Program