Category Archives: Disaster management

Severe weather assistance for Redlands Coast businesses, organisations and individuals


March 6, 2022

There are many different grants and programs available to Redland City businesses, organisations and individuals impacted by the recent storms and flooding.

Visit the State Government Help for Queenslanders page for the latest information about what is available.

A State Government Grants and support fact sheet that summarises the assistance is also available.

To help our city’s residents further, Redland City Council has provided the information in the fact sheet with links to more information on each of the grants below.

Grants and support for flood-affected Queenslanders

General support and emotional stress

📞 Community Recovery Hotline 1800 173 349 (24/7)

Disaster recovery payment and disaster allowance

📌 Currently available to eligible residents in 17 local government areas: Brisbane, Fraser Coast, Gold Coast, Gympie, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, North Burnett, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, South Burnett, Southern Downs, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba.

💸 One-off, non-means tested payment of $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per child

📌 Apply online through Centrelink linked to your myGov account or 📞 phone 1800 22 666.

👉 Go to www.servicesaustralia.gov.au

Personal Hardship Assistance Scheme

💸 Up to $180 per person

💸 Up to $900 family of five or more.

𝘛𝘰 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘺:

📱 Download the Self Recovery app

👉 Go to www.qld.gov.au/SEQRecoveryGrants

📞 Community Recovery Hotline 1800 173 349 (24/7).

Housing assistance, including home owners and private renters

👉 Go to www.qld.gov.au/housing

📞 Call 13 QGOV (13 74 68).

Urgent house maintenance

📞 If you’re a public housing tenant, and require urgent maintenance during this time, call 1800 808 107.

👉 Public housing tenants can use Tenant Self Service at www.qld.gov.au/tenantselfservice or 📱 the Tenant Assist Qld app.

👉 Go to www.qld.gov.au/housing

Homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless

📞 Homeless Hotline free call on 1800 474 753 (24/7).

Free legal advice

📞 Residents affected by the flooding can call Legal Aid Queensland on 1300 527 700 for free legal information and advice.

👉 Facts sheets and other resources at www.legalaid.qld.gov.au

Free replacement of birth/marriage certificates

The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages will provide free replacement life event certificates (such as birth and marriage certificates) to people in disaster declared areas who may have had them lost or destroyed.

📧 Email bdm.disaster@justice.qld.gov.au or 📞 phone 13 QGOV (13 74 68) 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.

👉 Go to www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies/disasters/rebuilding-cleaning/replace-documents

Certificates, ID cards and association rules lost or destroyed in disaster

📌 Will be replaced free of charge by the Office of Fair Trading.

📧 Email Brisbaneoft@justice.qld.gov.au or 📞 phone 13 QGOV (13 74 68) 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.

📌 Blue cards, exemption card or positive notices lost or destroyed in the floods will be replaced by Blue Card Services for free if people submit a statutory declaration with the relevant form for lost/stolen cards.

📞 Call 1800 113 611 (8am-5pm Monday to Friday)

👉 https://www.qld.gov.au/law/laws-regulated-industries-and-accountability/queensland-laws-and-regulations/regulated-industries-and-licensing/blue-card/existing/replace-lost-card

Business and not-for-profit support

💸 A range of support is available to businesses affected by the recent flood disaster. Grants of up to $50,000 are now available to small businesses and not-for-profits. There are also disaster assistance loans of up to $250,000 available. For details, go to www.business.qld.gov.au

📌 Take the short survey to help us understand the impact of flooding on your business and what assistance you require

👉 www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/protecting-business/disaster-resilience/assistance

📌 The Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) can assist flood-affected licensees to manage their regulatory requirements during the recovery period. For advice please 📞 call 1300 072 322 or 📧 email OLGRlicensing@justice.qld.gov.au

📌 Small business financial counsellors – assistance to small businesses that are experiencing hardship and have no alternative source of impartial support. The Australian and Queensland Governments provide funding to deliver the program through the Rural Financial Service Southern and North Queensland:

👉 Southern Queensland – www.rfcssq.org.au or 📞 call 1300 732 777

👉 North Queensland – www.rfcsnq.com.au or 📞 call 07 4652 5669

Business Counselling support

📌 Resources to help business respond and recover following a natural disaster are also available from the Small Business Disaster Hub website

👉 Go to www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/protecting-business/disaster-resilience/disaster-hub

Queensland Tourism Business Financial Counselling Service

📌 The Queensland Tourism Business Financial Counselling Service provides free financial counselling support to help tourism operators

👉 Go to www.dtis.qld.gov.au/our-work/queensland-tourism-business-financial-counselling-service

Primary Producers

💸 Grants of up to $75,000 are available to eligible primary producers affected by flooding.

👉 To apply go to www.qrida.qld.gov.au

Sports recreation grants

💸 The Sport and Recreation Disaster Recovery Program supports not-for-profit sport and recreation organisations with funding to re-establish their facilities and activities. Funding of up to $20,000 is now available.

👉 Go to www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/disaster-recovery

Employer Assistance Line

📞 Phone 1300 731 988 for the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland’s Employer Assistance Line, for:

📌 advice and support if your business has been forced to close or reduce operations

📌 industrial relations advice on managing staff and meeting Fair Work Act 2009 obligations.

How you can help

🙋 Want to volunteer to help with the flood clean-up? Register with Volunteering Queensland’s EV CREW at https://register.emergencyvolunteering.com.au

📌 Donate goods or to the QLD 21/22 Severe Storms & Flooding appeal through www.givit.org.au. 100% of donated money received by GIVIT goes to helping people and communities recover.

👉 For the many ways that you can support individuals, families and organisations affected visit https://www.qld.gov.au/emergency/emergencies-services/help-disaster

⚠️ Safety alert! For safety reasons, please don’t attend evacuation centres or flooded areas. Volunteer efforts work best when coordinated in a safe way.

👉 For more information on available grants and support for flood affected Queenslanders visit www.qld.gov.au/alerts/i-need-help/floodhelp

 

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State Government grants Mayor’s request for disaster assistance for Redlands Coast residents


March 5, 2022

Redlands Coast residents impacted by the recent severe weather event can now access State Government hardship assistance after Mayor Karen Williams requested it be activated for Redland City.

Cr Williams said she was pleased her request to the State Department of Communities for activation of Personal Hardship Financial Assistance grants and the Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Grant had been accepted.

“Typically, Personal Hardship Financial Assistance is triggered when large areas of residential properties are impacted and left without power or clean water,” she said.

“Fortunately, Redlands Coast did not experience this scale of hardship to the same extent as our neighbouring councils.

“However the whole of Redland City was impacted, with more than 3000 homes losing power, including on the islands, and three families having to be evacuated from their homes.

“Local SES units received 400 calls for assistance, with almost half relating to structural damage.

“We want all hardship cases to be assessed on their merits, which is why I requested the Department of Communities activate the hardship assistance for Redlands Coast residents who may need a helping hand.

“Their decision to grant this request means Redlands Coast residents who have been suffering personal hardship and distress from the weather event can now get financial support to get on with their clean up and recovery.”

Personal Hardship Financial Assistance grants can provide assistance to help meet immediate essential needs, for example:

  • for food, clothing, medical supplies or temporary accommodation
  • where there has been the loss of one or more essential services for more than five days
  • a contribution towards replacing or repairing essential household contents that have been lost or damaged
  • a contribution towards repairs or replacement of a dwelling to return it to a safe, habitable and secure condition.

The Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Grant provides a financial contribution towards safety inspections of and repairs to residential essential services damaged by a disaster.

Other State Government assistance available for people within the Redland City Council area includes:

  • Disaster Assistance (Essential Working Capital) Loans Scheme for Primary Producers
  • Disaster Assistance (Essential Working Capital) Loans Scheme for Not-for-Profit Organisations.

There are eligibility criteria for all State Government grants.

For more information on the Personal Hardship Financial Assistance and Essential Services Safety and Reconnection grants, visit the Department of Communities website, www.qld.gov.au/SEQRecoveryGrants, or phone the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

For the Disaster Assistance Loans Scheme, visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au or free call 1800 623 946.

Cr Williams said impacted residents could also apply for an Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) through Centrelink, which provided support to people through the hard times in the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster.

This is a non-means tested payment of $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per child who has been adversely affected. Information on ADGRP eligibility and how to apply is available at www.servicesaustralia.gov.au

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Redlands Coast on mozzie watch


March 4, 2022

Redlands Coast residents have been urged to take care when cleaning up after the deluge as Redland City Council crews work to minimise the risk from mosquitoes.

Redland City Mayor and chair of the Redland Local Disaster Management Group Karen Williams said wet conditions and localised flooding had produced ideal conditions for mosquitoes to breed, as well as for the growth of potentially harmful mould.

She said taking precautions was even more important with Queensland Health confirming there was a case of Japanese Encephalitus Virus (JEV) in Queensland, a disease carried by mosquitos. The case had recently travel in regional southern Queensland and is being treated in a Brisbane hospital.

“Council crews are busy in the field doing mosquito control work and checking public fresh water sites for mosquito breeding,” Cr Williams said.

“There is a lot of water around at the moment, but as they identify breeding sites our crews will conduct drone treatments, as well as head into areas by foot, quad bike and amphibious vehicle to spray.

“Japanese Encephalitus Virus (JEV) is not spread directly from person to person and is only transmitted by specific types of mosquito species. Thankfully, it is not transmitted by our most prevalent mosquito species.

“I encourage everyone to take the necessary steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes to prevent all types of mosquito-transmitted diseases, including Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus.

“Check your yards and empty water pooling in items such as pot plant bases, boats and old tyres. And if you are outside during peak activity periods at dusk and dawn, please use insect repellent and wear light-coloured, long, loose-fitting clothing as a precaution.”

Cr Williams said that while mould was not usually a problem for most people, it could present issues for people with respiratory problems, compromised immune systems and the elderly.

“There is a wealth of information on dealing with mould on the Queensland Health website, which advises homeowners who are concerned they may be affected to open all doors and windows and, if possible, use fans or air-conditioners on dry mode to get rid of any moisture,” Cr Williams said.

While mould can sometimes be easy to see because of the colour it causes on walls, ceilings and other surfaces, it can also invisible and detected by its musty, unpleasant odour.

Queensland Health advises residents who find mould in their home to wear protective clothing including gloves, a mask and goggles.

Cr Williams said it was also important that residents took extra care when cleaning up around inundated properties as the floodwater could be contaminated.

“It’s important that we continue to prioritise our health and safety, so before starting any clean-up, check with your GP to ensure you’re up to date with your tetanus shot,” Cr Williams said.

“To reduce the risk of infection and disease, also remember to regularly wash your hands and wear protective clothing such as long-sleeve shirts, eye-wear, gloves and rubber boots.”

For more information, search “Physical health and wellbeing” at www.qld.gov.au.

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Weather and services update


March 4, 2022

Severe weather warning downgraded

The Bureau of Meteorology has significantly downgraded storm warnings but there is still potential for further storms over the weekend so please continue to take heed of all warnings and be mindful of conditions.

Residents are encouraged to start their clean-up efforts if it is safe to do so, with all Council Recycling and Waste Centres open normal hours over the weekend.

All Council sandbagging stations will remain open today – more than 18,500 sandbags have been collected from Council’s Cleveland depot since last Wednesday 23 February.

Council closures

IndigiScapes Centre, including the IndigiCafe, Botanic Gardens, walking tracks and Native Community Nursery, is closed and will reopen at 8am on Monday 7 March.

All Redland Library Services programs and events have resumed. Visit the library website for details.

Conservation areas closed

All tracks and trails are closed within Bayview Conservation Area in Redland Bay, Scribbly Gums Conservation Area (home to Redlands Track Park) in Alexandra Hills and Eastern Escarpment Conservation Area in Mount Cotton.

There may be localised fenced-off closures in smaller conservation reserves.

Park closures

  • Regional Park, Capalaba.
  • John Fredericks Park, Capalaba including greyhound track, rugby and soccer fields.
  • Mount Cotton Community Park.

Some parks may be affected due to the tides and inundation, and there is still some debris in our parks.

Beaches

Main Beach on North Stradbroke Island is closed due to debris washing up onto the beach, and the access track to Main Beach at the northern end is closed due to washout and rutting.

Cylinder Beach on North Stradbroke Island remains open. Debris is washing up, however Surf Life Saving crews have set up patrolled areas.

Public transport

The Cleveland rail line remains closed from Cleveland to Lindum. There are no bus services running from Cleveland to Lindum or Lindum to Cleveland. Bus services are available from Lindum to the City (road conditions pending).

Transdev bus services are operating with some disruption to services.

All Sealink vehicle and passenger ferry services to and from North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) are operating to regular timetables.

Southern Moreton Bay Island (SMBI) vehicle ferry services are experiencing delays on some services due to loading at Redland Bay. All other ferry services to the Southern Moreton Bay Islands are operating as usual.

There are no significant impacts to the Amity Trader Ferry Service to Coochiemudlo Island.

All our Island residents are urged to continue to check their ferry service’s website in case of changes.

Public health alert – mosquitoes

Queensland Health has advised there is a confirmed case of Japanese Encephalitus Virus (JEV) in Queensland, a disease carried by mosquitoes and spread through the bite of an infected mosquito to people and animals.

The case had recent travel in regional southern Queensland and is being treated in a Brisbane hospital. There is no evidence of the JEV in Redlands Coast  with Council continuing its ongoing monitoring program.

Mosquito management and personal protection

Mosquitoes are endemic to Redlands Coast and particularly active when there is wet weather and flooding.

Council’s mosquito management team is in the field checking public fresh water sites for mosquito breeding, being aware that there is a lot of water around at the moment.

If breeding is confirmed, treatments will be conducted using a variety of methods, including by drone, on foot, quad bike and amphibious vehicle.

Please take the necessary steps to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes:

  • Avoid being outside during peak activity periods at dusk and dawn where possible
  • Use insect repellent, and
  • Wear light-coloured, long, loose-fitting clothing.

Also check your yards and empty water pooling in items such as pot plant bases, boats and old tyres.

Spontaneous Volunteering

If residents wish to help with the clean-up, they should start close to home by checking on neighbours, family and friends.

If people would like to volunteer in other flood affected areas, please register with the Emergency Volunteering (EV) Crew through Volunteering Queensland, register.emergencyvolunteering.com.au, and you’ll be advised as opportunities become available.

Donations and Flood Appeals

If you wish to made a donation or contribute to flood appeals, please contact:

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Redlands Coast sandbagging stations open


March 4, 2022

Sandbagging stations are open again today at the following times and locations:

📍 Council Depot Cleveland – 199-205 South St. 7am to 6pm today.

Open 24/7 and BYO shovel
📍 Council Depot Dunwich – 11-37 Mitchell Cres, Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island.
📍 Council Depot Russell Island – 6 Cambridge Rd.
📍 Council Depot Macleay Island – 22-24 Scarborough Rd.
📍 Coochiemudlo Island – Coochie Men’s Shed, 54-45 Elizabeth St with filled sandbags.

📍 Lamb Island Rural Fire Station – 12 Lucas Drive Lamb Island
📍 Karragarra Rural Fire Brigade – 11 Noyes Road, Karragarra Island.

📌Please contact Rural Fire as needed or go to locations for self-serve. Minimum sandbagging stock at Lamb and Karragarra Island, please only take what is required.

Need assistance?

Call the SES on 132 500 to log a job, which will be prioritised and tasked. This will help ensure our most vulnerable in the community are addressed as a priority.

Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if the situation is life-threatening.

Call Energex on 13 19 62 to report fallen powerlines. Remember to stay clear and warn others.

Call Council on 3829 8999 to report fallen branches on public spaces across the city.

 

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Disaster assistance for Redlands Coast residents


March 3, 2022

Redland City Mayor and chair of the Redland Local Disaster Management Group Karen Williams has requested the State Department of Communities activate the Personal Hardship Assistance Scheme (PHAS) for Redlands Coast residents who may need assistance during the continuing severe weather event.

Cr Williams said that while PHAS assistance had yet to be activated for Redland City, Council had requested that this now be done.

“Already there have been homes impacted and a small number of residents evacuated from their flooded properties, so we want to ensure there is assistance for these and any other hardship cases that emerge as a result of this extraordinary rain event,” Cr Williams said.

“Typically, this scheme is triggered when large areas of residential properties are impacted and left without power or clean water but we want all hardship cases to be assessed on their merits as soon as they arise and immediate PHAS activation for Redland City will facilitate this.”

Cr Williams said residents could also apply for an Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) through Centrelink which provided support to people through the hard times in the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster.

This is a non-means tested payment of $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per child who has been adversely affected. Information on ADGRP eligibility and how to apply is available at www.servicesaustralia.gov.au

 

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Traffic disruption at Alexandra Hills


March 3, 2022

Please be aware of a burst water main at the intersection of Finucane Road and Cambridge Drive, Alexandra Hills.

We ask that you avoid the area if possible as there will be traffic disruptions this afternoon and into the evening.

Water has been switched off for nearby residents including at the Alexandra Hills Shopping Centre. This is to allow Redland City Council crews to repair the main as soon as possible.

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Redlands Coast residents urged to prepare for more heavy rain


March 3, 2022

Redlands Coast residents, who are still feeling the impacts of the weekend’s extreme weather, are being urged to heed all current storm warnings and prepare for more heavy rainfall.

Mayor Karen Williams warned there could be further impacts across Redlands Coast, with heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms forecast for today and into the weekend.

“Council has opened all of its sandbagging stations again today and we have also organised for filled sandbags to be sent to Coochiemudlo, Karragarra and Lamb islands,” she said.

When sandbagging, residents should lay down a tarp against the property and place the sandbags on top. For further sandbagging tips, visit the SES website.

Cr Williams urged people not to travel around looking at the damage across the city or in neighbouring areas as this could hinder emergency crews.

“Council crews have been out assessing the damage across the city and I urge everyone to be patient as we work through all the issues caused by the intense rainfall, which inundated not only our beautiful city but all of south-east Queensland,” she said.

“This includes repairs to damaged roads, including potholes, removing fallen trees and branches, and mowing grass which will be very long in parks and public spaces following the heavy rain.

“Council crews are attending to all of these issues as quickly as possible.

“We know about many issues already, but if you come across damaged public infrastructure or other potential hazards, contact Council on 3829 8999.

“This will ensure we capture all the issues which need addressing across our city.

“After a severe drenching the ground is very wet and trees may be at risk of falling with wind gusts, so please be aware of that.”

Cr Williams thanked local SES volunteers for working tirelessly throughout the extreme weather event and said some teams were preparing to deploy throughout the Brisbane and Moreton Bay areas from today.

“If you see one of our orange angels, please thank them,” she said.

“If residents wish to help with the clean-up, they should start close to home by checking on neighbours, family and friends.”

If people would like to volunteer in other flood affected areas please register with the Emergency Volunteering (EV) Crew through Volunteering Queensland, register.emergencyvolunteering.com.au, and you’ll be advised as opportunities become available.

Cr Williams also urged people to take care out on the bay, with the potential for debris to come out of the Logan and Brisbane Rivers.

The sandbagging stations will be open at the following times and locations (limit of 6 sandbags per person per visit):

  • Council Depot Cleveland – 199-205 South St: open until 6pm today Thursday, from 7am to 6pm Friday
  • Council Depot Dunwich – 11-37 Mitchell Cres, Dunwich,North Stradbroke Island: open 24/7, BYO shovel.
  • Council Depot Russell Island – 6 Cambridge Rd: open 24/7, BYO shovel
  • Council Depot Macleay Island – 22-24 Scarborough Rd: open 24/7, BYO shovel
  • Coochiemudlo Island – Coochie Men’s Shed, 54-45 Elizabeth St: open 24/7 with filled sandbags
  • Karragarra Island Rural Fire Brigade – 11 Noyes Rd: open 24/7 with filled sandbags
  • Lamb Island Rural Fire Brigade – 12 Lucas Dr: open 24/7 with filled sandbags

For trees that have fallen on private properties or for other assistance contact SES on 132 500.

Contact Energex on 13 19 62 to report fallen powerlines. Remember to stay clear and warn others.

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Redlands Coast sandbagging stations open


March 3, 2022

Redland City Council sandbagging stations are open at the following times and locations:

Council Depot Cleveland – 199-205 South St, Cleveland – Click here for directions
Open from 7am – 6pm. Council staff will be onsite and will provide you with pre-packed sandbags.

24-hour self-service sandbagging stations:

Council Depot Dunwich – 11-37 Mitchell Cres, Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island – Click here for directions
Outside the Redland City Council Depot, 11-37 Mitchell Crescent, Dunwich. Sand and bags supplied. Please take your own shovel.

Council Depot Russell Island – 6 Cambridge Rd, Russell Island – Click here for directions
Outside the Council Depot on Cambridge Road. Sand and bags supplied. Please take your own shovel.

Council Depot Macleay Island – 22-24 Scarborough Rd, Macleay Island – Click here for directions
Outside the Council Depot on Scarborough Terrace. Sand and bags supplied. Please take your own shovel.

Lamb Island Rural Fire Station – 12 Lucas Drive Lamb Island

Karragarra Rural Fire Brigade – 11 Noyes Road, Karragarra Island

Contact Rural Fire Brigade as needed or go to locations for self-serve. Minimum sandbagging stock available, please only take what is required.

Information on how to properly use sandbags, including filling them, can be found on the SES website.

Need assistance?

Call the SES on 132 500 to log a job, which will be prioritised and tasked. This will help ensure our most vulnerable in the community are addressed as a priority.

Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if the situation is life-threatening.

Call Energex on 13 19 62 to report fallen powerlines. Remember to stay clear and warn others.

Call Council on 3829 8999 to report fallen branches on public spaces across the city.

Please be mindful of conditions when outdoors. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advise that people should:

  • Never drive, walk or ride through flood waters. If it’s flooded, forget it.
  • Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
  • Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm.
  • Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.

For the latest advice and emergency warnings:

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