Editor’s view: Storm rebuilds will be a true test of Qld spirit

The federal government’s decision to activate more disaster funding for South East Queensland storm victims is welcome and necessary But all levels of government must pull all the right levers to ensure victims do not endure unnecessary hardship.

The federal government’s decision to activate more disaster funding for South East Queensland storm victims is welcome and necessary.

But all levels of government must remain agile and pull all the right levers to ensure victims do not endure unnecessary hardship.

Recovering and rebuilding from Queensland’s dual disasters in the Far North and the South East is set to be costly and stressful for thousands of residents, with concerns that house repairs could take upwards of two years.

But for many of those hardest hit, the impending effort of rebuilding their homes and their lives is yet to fully coalesce in their minds as all energy goes toward securing basic needs – such as temporary shelter and restoring some sense of normalcy.

It is clear the community needs every shred of help it can get.

From 2pm on Monday, eligible residents can apply for payments of $1000 per adult and $400 per dependent child under the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment.

Lucie Simmons, Michael Meudell and Jiaya Meudell, 12, will be living on a week by week basis in an Airbnb for at least four months. Pics Adam Head

Those whose incomes have been affected can also apply for the Disaster Recovery Allowance, a temporary 13-week payment to help people get back on their feet.

While the AGDRP payments are open to specific suburbs in the Gold Coast, Logan and Scenic Rim council areas for now, it is expected that further damage assessments in coming days will result in more areas being added to the list.

There are now six support packages, funded by the federal and/or state governments, available for those affected by the severe storms in the state’s South East, with a one-stop hotline [phone]) manned by hundreds of recovery workers.

The physical and emotional toll of the disasters in Far North Queensland and in the South East will unfortunately wear on for many years.

At least 2000 homes and businesses have been damaged across both regions, and coupled with supply constraints, low rental vacancies and a tight labour market the rebuild effort will take years.

Chris Graham from Energex with Minister Grace Grace as crews continue storm clean-up at Kinabalu Drive, Tamborine Mountain. Picture: Richard Walker

It is up to all levels of government to work with the building industry to ensure work is carried out in as timely a manner as possible, and to manage the flow-on effects such as soaring costs and tradie shortages.

Queensland’s full infrastructure pipeline in preparation of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and simply keeping up with population growth leaves very little wiggle room on the sides to load up more work.

Cost blowouts are a certainty and the impact on the state budget will be enormous – it is already estimated to be at least $2bn.

It is also a frightening reality that the state’s disaster season is far from over. It is only January, and Mother Nature could well have more in store for us.

Queenslanders’ strength of spirit is again being tested, and so far the community has again shown we are each ready to give a hand to those who need it in times of disaster.

Originally published as Editor’s view: Storm rebuilds will be a true test of Qld spirit