Disaster Recovery
Disaster recovery is a coordinated process to support individuals and communities to:
- rebuild essential infrastructure
- help economic recovery
- rehabilitate the environment
- improve wellbeing – emotional, social, physical and psychological health.
The North Burnett Regional Council works closely with a number of agencies and organisations to help coordinate the recovery efforts of a disaster event and to provide assistance to those communities who have been affected.
Dealing with an emergency can be stressful and exhausting. Recovering from an emergency or disaster event is a complex process that may take months or even years to overcome.
Knowing who to turn to for support in your recovery is important. View the different sections for important information and who to contact for support and assistance.
Disaster Impact Survey
Disaster Impact Survey
If you have experienced damage or losses to your farm, complete the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) Disaster Impact Survey.
The data from this survey helps DAF and Council determine if additional assistance is needed for impacted primary producers and to ensure information is shared with you about assistance which becomes available.
Visit the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) website to find out more or call 13 25 23.
Primary Producers
Disaster Impact Survey
If you have experienced damage or losses to your farm, complete the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) Disaster Impact Survey.
The data from this survey helps DAF and Council determine if additional assistance is needed for impacted primary producers and to ensure information is shared with you about assistance which becomes available.
Visit the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) website to find out more or call 13 25 23.
Financial Support
North Burnett Primary Producers, if eligible, may be able to access:
- Freight subsidies of up to $5,000 per property to move essential materials such as fodder, building and fencing materials, machinery and animals for restocking.
- Disaster assistance loans of up to $250,000 at a concessional rate.
- Essential working capital loans to continue the normal operation of your primary production enterprise.
Visit the Queensland Bushfire Support for Primary Producers website to find out more.
Rural Aid – Supporting Farmers & Rural Communities
Rural Aid provides critical support to farmers affected by natural disaster through financial, wellbeing and fodder assistance.
A summary of services for farmers effected by bushfires in the North Burnett include:
- Fodder supplies – Rural Aid sources and delivers fodder for primary producers when there is a localised need for assistance.
- Domestic Water – Rural Aid coordinates domestic water deliveries to farmers in need of household water.
- Domestic Water Tanks
- Mental Health and Wellbeing services including counselling services.
To register with Rural Aid, complete the farmer registration form by clicking here
For further information visit www.ruralaid.org.au
Rural Financial Counselling Service (based in the North Burnett)
Financial Counsellors can help you work through your farm’s financial difficulties and get things back on track.
The Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) can assist with a wide range of services including:
- Farm business plans
- Improving cash flow and budgeting
- Bank and creditor negotiations
- Farm Business Debt Mediation
- Accessing financial support, including the Farm Household Allowance
Contact RFCS today on 4622 5500 or visit www.rfcssq.org.au
Health and Wellbeing
Natural disasters are extremely challenging for many people across the community. People will have varied physical and/or emotional reactions following a natural disaster. For some, it may feel overwhelming and become difficult to cope. Make sure you take care of yourself and recognise when you are feeling overwhelmed.
If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Rural Aid – Supporting Farmers & Rural Communities
Rural Aid is dedicated to improving the mental health outcomes of rural Australia.
Rural Aid provides counselling services and community programs to support Australian farmers and communities before, during and after disasters such as drought, flood and fire.
- Are you are farmer needing help. Register by clicking here
- Call the Counselling Intake line: 1300 175 594
- For more information visit https://www.ruralaid.org.au/counsellors/
Australian Red Cross
Red Cross has a range of resources to support individuals, families, Schools and communities impacted by an emergency or crises. Find out more at:
Mental Health Support Services – Only a phone call away
- Australian Red Cross: 1300 554 419
- Beyond Blue Info Line: 1300 224 636
- DV Connect Mensline: 1800 600 626
- DV Connect Womensline: 1800 811 811
- Family and Child Connect: 13 32 64
- Head to Health – 1800 595 212. Confidential free mental health service avaliable to everyone.
- Kid’s Help Line: 1800 551 800
- Lifeline Telephone Counselling: 13 11 14 – Lifeline Bushfire (lifeline.org.au)
- Mensline Australia: 1300 789 978
- Queensland Health – 13HEALTH: 13 43 25 84
Emergency Relief
Monto Neighbourhood Centre
In the North Burnett, emergency relief services are available through the Monto Neighbourhood Centre. The Neighbourhood centre offers emergency assistance Monday to Friday to anywhere within the region.
Contact the Monto Neighbourhood Centre by calling 4994 2508 or visit livebetter.org.au/other-services/monto-community-services/
Cleaning Rainwater tanks after bushfire
Do you have Ash on your roof?
People who have recently been within the fire area may have ash and contaminants on their roof. It is important to clean your roof before collecting new water in your tank.
Click here to view a helpful factsheet for guidance on maintaining the quality of water stored in your rainwater tank.
Smoke Conditions
Queensland Health have a helpful factsheet on how to stay safe and healthy in smoke conditions.
Community Recovery Services
During and after a disaster you may need practical assistance or community support to assist you and your family.
North Burnett Social and Community Service Providers
- LiveBetter Monto Neighbourhood Centre: 1800 580 580
- North Burnett Community Services: 4165 4690
Community Service Support
- Click here to access the Community Support services for the Bundaberg – Burnett region.
- Visit Country to Coast, QLD (CCQ) https://c2coast.org.au/community-members/
Donations
It is time to help our fellow Queenslanders affected by the 2023 Queensland Bushfires.
Community Donations
The Queensland State Government have released a list of recovery partners for donations. Visit https://www.qld.gov.au/about/bushfires
Rural Aid
Rural Aid provides critical support to farmers affected by natural disaster through financial, wellbeing and fodder assistance.
You can donate in various ways. Find out more by visiting Rural Aid’s website
Buy a bale campaign: https://buyabale2023.ruralaid.org.au/
Givit
GIVIT is a national online non-profit organisation matching generosity with genuine need.
Visit www.givit.org.au to give what you can or to donate items of need.
Waste Management
Domestic Waste Collection
Kerbside collection has remained unaffected. If you have any concerns, please contact Council on 1300 696 272.
Waste Management Facilities
Council’s waste management facillities are operating as normal. Visit northburnett.qld.gov.au/waste-disposal-and-recycling/ for further information and opening times.
Prepare for the unexpected
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES)
QFES has a range of information on bushfire preparedness and creating a survial plan. Visit www.qfes.qld.gov.au/prepare/bushfires for more information.
NBRC Emergency Dashboard
Stay up to date by monitoring Council’s Emergency Dashboard.
Did you know that you can sign-up (Opt-in) to the NBRC Emergency Dashboard to receive alerts?
The Opt-In feature on the Dashboard is a great way to keep up to date before and during a disaster and receive a text message and/or emails for:
- Emergency news
- Weather Warnings
- River Heights (specific locations across the region)
Visit emergency.northburnett.qld.gov.au to subscribe today!
Disaster Proof Your Business!
Queensland is the most disaster-prone state in Australia having experienced more than 90 natural disasters in the past decade alone. Operating in the North Burnett Region requires consideration and planning to ensure your business can continue operating during a wide range of potential disasters.
Visit northburnett.qld.gov.au/disaster-management to download a helpful guide for busines continuity during disaster events.
Recovery Waste Services
Domestic Waste Collection
Kerbside collection is happening as normal. If you have any concerns, please contact Council on 1300 696 272.
Recovery Skip Bins
Council provides skip bins for affected residents to utilise.
Waste Management Facilities
Operating as normal – please double-check facility operating times here.
Recovery Assistance
Financial Assistance
Resilient Homes Fund
See the fact sheet here.
See the Q&A sheet here.
The Resilient Homes Fund is for the following purposes:
Rebuilding more resilient homes
Grants will be available to assist eligible homeowners to repair or retrofit their homes to incorporate flood resilient design and materials. This could include replacement of floor coverings with a water-resistant finish such as tiles or polished concrete and moving power outlets to above recognised flood levels.
Raising homes
Grants will be available to eligible homeowners to raise homes to reduce the impacts of future flood events by lifting living areas and rooms above the defined flood level.
Buying back homes
In high-risk situations where repairing, retrofitting or raising are not considered suitable options, a voluntary buy-back of the residence will be considered.
Voluntary home buy-backs will be on a case-by-case basis and will consider a range of factors including the frequency of flooding, severity of flooding, structural safety of the property, future flood risk and broader social impacts.
Eligible applicants for the Resilient Homes Fund include:
Queensland homeowners across 37 local government areas whose property was inundated as a result of any of the three major floods in 2021-22 including the South East Queensland floods (22 February 2022 onwards); the ex-Tropical Cyclone Seth floods (29 December 2021 – 10 January 2022); and the Central, Southern and Western Queensland flooding (10 November – 3 December 2021).
How do I register for the Resilient Homes Fund?
Register your interest at www.qld.gov.au/resilienthomes
State Government: Community Recovery Assistance
- Emergency Hardship Assistance Grant: up to $180 per person (up to $900 for a family of 5 or more) for people unable to meet their immediate essential needs for temporary accommodation, food, essential clothing and medication. It can take up to five days for payments to reach you bank account.
- Essential Household Contents Grant*: One-off payment for households who are uninsured or unable to claim insurance as a contribution towards replacing or repairing essential household contents. Up to $1,765 for single adults and up to $5,300 for couples/family. *income test applies see flyer.
- Structural Assistance Grant: One-off payment towards the cost of repairs to uninsured, owner-occupied homes to ensure the home is habitable, secure and safe. Up to $10,995 for single adults and up to $14,685 for single adults and up to $14,685 for couples/families.
- Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Grant: To help owner/occupied households reconnect essential services that were damaged by a disaster. Up to $200 towards a safety inspection for each essential service needing reconnection (electricity, gas, water and sewerage/septic system) and up to $4,200 towards repair work.
Apply online or for more information: www.qld.gov.au/communityrecovery or call 1800 173 349.
Federal Government: Disaster Recovery Assistance: Activation North Burnett
- Disaster Recovery Payment: The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment is a one-off, non-means tested payment of $1,000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children. This payment is available to anyone in North Burnett who has suffered a significant loss, including a severely damaged or destroyed home, serious injury or who have lost a family member. The easiest and fastest way to claim the Disaster Recovery Payment is online through myGov.
- Disaster Recovery Allowance: The Disaster Recovery Allowance provides a short-term income support payment to assist individuals whose income has been affected because of this disastrous event. The Allowance is available for up to 13 weeks, equivalent to the maximum rate of Jobseeker Payment or Youth Allowance. If you’re eligible for the Disaster Recovery Assistance, you will need to claim this over the phone by calling the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66. Check your eligibility at www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/disaster
Sport and Recreation Disaster Recovery Program
Funding of up to $5,000 (Level 1) and $20,000 (Level 2) may be available for eligible sport and active recreation organisations located in areas declared under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
To be eligible for funding under Level 1, an organisation must be located in a Local Government Area (LGA) listed as activated for either “Personal Hardship Assistance” or “Reconstruction of Essential Public Assets” on the Queensland Government’s Disaster Management website.
Level 1 provides up to $5,000 in funding to assist in immediate clean-up efforts. This may include:
- replacement of damaged equipment that directly relates to the re-establishment of activities (including office and canteen equipment)
- payment of services and hire costs, and purchase of equipment and tools that assist in short term clean-up of facilities
- reimbursement for the purchase of the above made from the date of the relevant disaster
- funds for repairs and replacements when this amount is lower than the premium excess set by the insurance provider
- excess coverage for insurance claims.
Read the program guidelines (PDF, 269 KB) to review eligibility aspects and supporting documentation required for a Level 1 application.
Agricultural and Business Assistance
- Low interest loans of up to $250,000 are available to help flood impacted primary producers and small businesses in the North Burnett to get back on their feet as soon as possible. For more information on loans for primary producers and small businesses phone Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority on 1800 623 946 or visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au.
- Freight subsidies of up to $5,000 will also be made available to eligible primary producers in these areas who experienced inundation. For information on the freight subsidies visit www.daf.qld.gov.au or phone the DAF Customer Service Centre on 13 25 23.
- Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants of up to $50,000 are available for affected producers following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Seth, 7 – 10 January 2022 to hire or purchase equipment and materials, clean up, remove debris, replace fencing and other costs associated with the recovery process. Producers should take photographs of the direct damage to accompany their application. Visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au/program/extraordinary-disaster-assistance-recovery-grants-ex-tropical-cyclone-seth
RURAL FINANCIAL COUNSELING SERVICE – SOUTHERN QLD
- RFCS provide free, impartial and confidential planning and support services to primary producers and small businesses.
- To view their list of services including contacts for RFCS financial advice counsellors, as well as QRIDA, ATO and other volunteer assistance agencies – click here.
RURAL AID
Business Advice
BLAZEAID
Community Support Services
The North Burnett Community Services offer support and counselling to residents affected by the severe weather event. If you need any information or support contact our office on 41654690, alternatively visit www.nbcs.org.au.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Phone Support
If you or someone you care about is distressed, in crisis or needs someone to talk to, call:
- 1300 MH CALL – 1300 642 255 (24/7 Queensland Health)
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7)
- Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
- Headspace Gympie: 5482 1075 (for young people aged 12-25) or 1800 650 890
- Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 (24/7)
- 1800 RESPECT (National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service): 1800 737 732
- DVConnect: 1800 811 811
- Qld Homelessness Hotline (24/7) 1800 474 753
- Parentline: 1300 301 300
- Mensline: 1300 789 978 (24/7)
- Red Cross:1800 733 111
- Rental Tenancy Authority: 1300 744 263
On-line Resources
How Can I Help?
BLAZEAID
GIVIT – THE SMART WAY TO GIVE
GIVIT is the smart way to give to people and communities recovering from an emergency or disaster.
Road Conditions
Animals and Livestock
Council has received reports of missing animals and livestock. If you come across an animal or livestock, which you suspect is missing from a property please contact Council on 1300 272 696 or the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries www.daf.qld.gov.au.
AgForce and DAF Flood Map Survey
AgForce and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) are collecting information from producers using an online map which provides access to a survey where producers can report the flood extent on their property, animal welfare concerns and damage assessment.
Alternatively to the online map, producers can also call the DAF on 13 25 23 to take the impact assessment over the phone. These reports will also help determine the need for additional assistance to the impacted communities.
Rebuilding after Natural Disaster