‘It takes a village’: Council’s ‘big thank you’ message to clean-up crews and Energex
An urgent fund is being freed up for the Gold Coast to use for debris and tree clearing - as the first of army personnel hit the city. See where they are going first
Gold Coast
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Premier Steven Miles has announced $1m in grants for the storm- and flood-devastated Gold Coast amid fears of more wild weather in the coming days.
Speaking in Brisbane on Thursday morning, Mr Miles said Gold Coast City Council would be one of three local governments to receive the $1m funding boost.
Scenic Rim Regional Council and Logan City Council would also receive the grant.
He said the cash splash was designed to help councils “do whatever they need to do” to clear trees and other debris, including bringing in contractors or paying staff overtime.
“We’re particularly conscious that we could see more storms in the same area in coming days, and so it’s really important we get that clean-up work done just as quickly as we can,” Mr Miles said.
The announcement comes as 33 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel begin work across impacted areas of the city including Tamborine Mountain and Upper Coomera.
Another 20 ADF staff were expected to hit the ground on Friday.
Gold Coast City Council also confirmed on Thursday that rates notices would be postponed by two weeks as a “show of support” for storm-battered residents.
Water bills due to be issued on January 8 will now be sent out on January 22.
Rates notices expected on January 22 will be distributed on February 5.
Council CEO Tim Baker said those struggling to pay their notices by the due dates should contact council to discuss payment options.
“We know this is a very difficult time for residents and this is one small way we can help support our ratepayers in the wake of the storms,” he said.
“Our city officers are out in the field offering support and helping clean-up efforts as long as required.”
The council also issued a “thank you” message to emergency services and volunteers who had been working to fast-track the city’s storm recovery.
An additional 48 volunteer officers have been deployed from central and far north Queensland since Wednesday to aid storm clean-up efforts.
About 95 per cent of affected customers had their power restored as of 10am Thursday, according to the latest statement from Energex.
More than 3330 homes in Mount Tamborine remain without power.
It was one of several suburbs – also including Guanaba, Mudgeeraba, Upper Coomera, and Wongawallan – to sustain the worst damage to electrical infrastructure.
“Right now, nearly 1000 people are working to get the power back to 6000 customers whose electricity supply sustained the most extreme damage.” they said.
“If you don’t see us working in your street, it’s because we need to first tackle the damage upstream.”
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