Long road to recovery. Red Cross launches three-year flood relief plan
Richard Dinnen - Queensland Editor |
The Australian Red Cross says people affected by floods in south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales face a long road to recovery.
The Red Cross has launched an $8.6 million three-year community recovery program to support thousands of people across 19 local government areas affected by flooding between February and June this year.
Red Cross Queensland Director, Garry Page, said recovery was only just beginning.
“Early evidence indicates significant psychological, social, and mental health impacts, particularly in areas affected by previous disasters such as floods and bushfires, and the compounding effects of the pandemic and drought.
“Physical and emotional recovery will be a long road, with early recovery activities now under way.
“ There are 15 recovery officers now working with communities to provide outreach, psychological and social support, capacity building, community-led recovery activities, and advocacy.
“This is on top of distributing more than 66,800 grants to people in flood-hit communities.
“The recovery program and grants are the result of $53.9 million donated by individuals, businesses, and governments. Our thanks go to each and every donor, as every single dollar makes a difference.”
Major flooding occurred across south-east Queensland and a large area of northern New South Wales, causing widespread damage to homes and businesses.
Yesterday, the Queensland Government released a report by Deloitte that said the floods cost the state economy $7.7 billion, with more than half a million people affected in some way.
It estimated the human and social cost at $4.5 billion, and the impact to homes and commercial businesses was $2 billion, with about 18,000 homes or businesses affected.
Mr Page said all eligible grant applications to the Red Cross had been paid, and careful attention has been given to weeding out ineligible applications.
“About 35,000 ineligible applications have been withdrawn, declined or cancelled, and more than 5000 have been reviewed for potential fraud, with assessments continuing.”
“Red Cross monitors emerging national and international attempted fraud techniques, and adapted its processes accordingly, to ensure as much support as possible went to the people it was intended for.”
In Queensland, the recovery program operates in the Lockyer Valley, Somerset, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Logan, Scenic Rim, Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Fraser Coast, North Burnett, South Burnett, Noosa, Sunshine Coast, and Gympie local government areas.
