State drought relief fund dries up

Money from the state government to help drought affected locals is gone, having been distrubuted to residents of the Maranoa

Maranoa Regional Council. Picture: Alexia Austin

A DROUGHT relief hardship fund, provided to the Maranoa by the state government Department of Communities, has been exhausted.

Maranoa Regional Council made the announcement earlier this week, advising that while this avenue of assistance had been exhausted, there was still help available from other sources.

Councillor Janelle Stanford said there was a huge number of applications for the Department of Communities funding

"There were quite a few applications that had come in for different varieties of support; paying bills and general assistance.

"But there was only a limited amount, and with everyone out there in need, it didn't take long for the funding to become exhausted, unfortunately.”

However, there are a number of other places in town that people can go to for help.

"The Queensland Country Women's Association has put up some assistance that residents can apply for, and that can be as much as $5000 for groceries, bills and other essentials, Cr Stanford said.

"There are also other financial support options through the government, AgForce and local organisations like St Vincent's, Rotary, Salvation Army and Lifeline.”

Cr Stanford also highlighted the importance of mental health in hard times. "Here in Roma there is more than just financial assistance available,” she said. "Our primary health networks and rural financial counselling are there to help for other matters.”

Originally published as State drought relief fund dries up