How property owners, businesses can access immediate flood relief

Business and property owners have been offered a helping hand after last week’s deluge brought with it some destruction. Here’s how to find the assistance.

Last week’s deluge filled dams, rivers, and put a halt to a devastating drought – but it also caused widespread damage and destruction to towns in and around the Darling Downs.

Southern Downs Regional Council has pledged to support property owners dealing with this damage.

Local Disaster Management Group Chair and Southern Downs mayor Vic Pennisi said it was vital for the community to stand behind business owners, and primary producers at this time.

“This information will be used to inform whether the Disaster Relief Funding Arrangements will be triggered and it will help Council plan to respond to future events,” he said.

“Council staff have been on the ground throughout the event, with officers closing roads to keep our community safe, then reopening them as floodwaters receded.

“Assessments of damage to roads and other Council infrastructure continue to be gathered and Reconstruction of Essential Public Assets (REPA) funding through the Queensland Reconstruction Authority has been activated for the Southern Downs.

“Our staff have once again gone above and beyond in ensuring the safety of our community and I take my hat off to them.”

Council is asking residents that were impacted by flooding to fill out a brief online form so an accurate picture of the damage sustained across the region can be ascertained. The form can be accessed by visiting Council’s web site at https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/council/disaster-management/flood-impacts/flood-water-impacts.

At this stage, the release of Category B or C recovery grants for small businesses and primary producers under the Disaster Relief Funding Arrangements jointly administered by the Queensland and Australian Governments have not been triggered, however primary producers can contact the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) for support.

Primary producers impacted by the event may be eligible to access assistance DAF’s Individual Disaster Stricken Property Certificate process. More information can be found at https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/agriculture/disaster-recovery/natural-disaster/disaster-assistance-forms-and-guidelines or by calling DAF on 13 25 23.