Support for flood-affected residents

Following the major flood event in January 2011, support is available for Brisbane residents who were flooded.  Find advice and information, including:

• Council support for flood-affected residents
• support by other organisations
• emotional wellbeing and support
• safety in the home
• fact sheets

Council support

Council understands that some residents are experiencing hardship as a result of the Brisbane January 2011 flood.

Flood-affected residents may be eligible for a range of discounts, consideration, support and advice from Council. Residents are encouraged to phone the Contact Centre on (07) 3403 8888 to discuss their situation and what support Council can offer.

Download the Council support for flood-affected residents fact sheet (PDF - 593kb).

Other organisations

Flooding can impact on people financially, physically and emotionally.

A number of services are available to people personally affected by the Brisbane January 2011 flood including financial assistance, counselling, government grants, legal aid and practical health advice. Contact the organisations below for support.

Queensland Government

The Queensland Government offers the following assistance for individuals, families and small businesses: 

• the Department of Communities provides financial and other assistance for individuals and families affected by recent natural disasters.  For more information, phone the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 or visit the Department of Communities website
• the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Build Back Blitz program provides advice or support for homeowners struggling to rebuild or repair their homes after disaster events. For more information, phone the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 or visit the Queensland Reconstruction Authority website
• the Building Services Authority assists Queensland communities to recover from natural disasters by providing technical and general advice on a wide range of rebuilding issues. For more information, visit the Building Service Authority website
• Queensland Health provides practical advice on a range of health issues, including staying safe during flood recovery and coping in times of crisis. For more information, phone Queensland Health on 13 43 25 84 or visit the Queensland Health website

Centrelink

You may be eligible for a range of payments or services in an emergency or crisis, regardless of whether you are a Centrelink customer. For more information, visit the Centrelink website.

Legal Aid Queensland

Legal Aid Queensland can provide free legal information and preliminary advice to residents disadvantaged by the floods. For more information, visit the Legal Aid Queensland website.

Insurance Council of Australia (ICA)

The ICA can help with questions about insurance policies and provide a list of things to do if you have been affected by the floods. For more information, visit the ICA website.

Micah Projects

Micah Projects is funded through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements to provide practical assistance and support to people in the Brisbane community. Flood Recovery Workers can assist you to access services including alternative housing and support in dealing with personal and/or family matters. You can self-refer or someone can refer you to Micah Projects Inc on 3209 7070.

Lifeline

Lifeline offers a range of services and advice on coping with the aftermath of the floods. For more information, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit their website.

Red Cross Australia

Red Cross Australia provides free information on recovering from a disaster and cleaning up after a flood. For more information, phone Red Cross Australia on 1800 733 111 or visit their website.

Emotional wellbeing and support

Even if you have not been directly affected by the floods, many of you will know someone who has. It is important for people to take care of their emotional wellbeing. These support services may be able to help:

• Lifeline - 13 11 14
• Kids Help Line - 1800 555 1800
• Parentline - 1300 30 1300
• Centacare - 1300 699 344

Safety

Gas and solar panel safety

You can download fact sheets on gas and solar panel safety at flood-affected properties from the Queensland Government website.

Restoring power to flood-affected homes

You can download fact sheets from the Energex website on reconnecting power to flood-affected properties.

Fact sheets

Council has prepared fact sheets with practical flood recovery advice:

• How to check if your house is habitable - 21 January (PDF - 251kb)
• Food safety and vegetable gardens - 21 January (PDF - 132kb)
• Restoring your garden or lawn - 20 January (PDF - 242kb)

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