$92k worth of disaster relief payments for Timber Creek hits roadblock

Disaster relief grants for Timber Creek totalling more than $90,000 have hit a series of roadblocks. Here’s why the region’s mayor fears the money could go to waste.

Thousands of dollars of disaster relief payments are at risk of going down the plughole, Timber Creek’s mayor has warned.

The devastating weather event which displaced more than 140 people in late December prompted a range of jointly-funded recovery grants to be released by the federal and Territory governments.

An NT government spokeswoman on Thursday confirmed $92,000 worth of payments had been made in the wake of the ex-tropical Cyclone Ellie disaster.

However the Victoria Daly Regional Council has raised concerns the payments’ 30-day validity means remote residents may miss out on using them.

Victoria Daly Regional Council Mayor Brian Pedwell said residents, particularly those in outlying communities, have been left frustrated with the rollout of disaster payments. Picture: Victoria Daly Regional Council

“(It’s) a short amount of time when taking into consideration the delays and difficulties getting goods delivered to such remote locations,” a council spokeswoman said.

VDRC mayor Brian Pedwell also said many in the community were struggling to check the balance of their debit cards online or through an ATM with fees.

“There was (also) no information provided about what items could be purchased with the disaster payments, which has left community members confused and disappointed,” Mr Pedwell said.

Timber Creek, located about 300km southwest of Katherine on the Victoria Hwy, became inundated with floodwater as ex-tropical Cyclone Ellie hit in late December. Picture: Supplied

“And in one instance, a resident received three different cards for one $9000 payment – that’s a huge hassle for them to manage these different cards while they are trying to put

their life back together.”

The personal hardship grants are a one-off payment of $563 per adult and $285 per child, with a maximum family payment of $1417.

More than 200 residents have been supported through these grants, and 11 housing repairs grants of up to $8000 have also been released.

An NT government spokeswoman said while the hardship payments were fixed with a 30-day validity, the same timeframe on the housing repairs grants could be extended on a “case-by-case basis”.

How remote residents would pursue this option remains unclear.

140 displaced Timber Creek residents had no choice but to take shelter on the remote community's undercover basketball court during ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie floods. Picture: Victoria Daly Regional Council

“While we are incredibly grateful for the support, there are improvements to be made,” Mr Pedwell said.

“We look forward to future discussions with the NT government as to how these improvements can be implemented.”

The federal government has also offered support for those who lost income during the disaster, while National Australia Bank has released its own $1000 grants for impacted customers.

NAB payments are available to those dealing with “major structural damage or severe internal damage” to their home, or to cover temporary accommodation, food and clothing costs.

[e-mail]

Originally published as $92k worth of disaster relief payments for Timber Creek hits roadblock