TRC Seeks State Aid for Resident Disaster Recovery
Toowoomba’s recovery from the impacts of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred is well underway with a range of options being explored to assist impacted residents.
Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has applied to the Queensland State Government to have the region activated for the State’s Disaster Relief arrangements.
If this application is successful, some residents may be eligible to apply to the Queensland State Government for immediate financial assistance.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald said it was important that all options were explored to help impacted residents get back on their feet as soon as possible.
“We’ve had varying impacts to residents because of ex-tropical Cyclone Alfred which has ranged from physical damage like trees impacting dwellings, water damage to dwellings, extended power outages and financial impacts to businesses,” Mayor McDonald said.
“While TRC has applied to the Queensland State Government to potentially allow impacted residents and businesses to access financial assistance, this is certainly not guaranteed and is a decision for the State Government.
“We’ve gathered information from our community on the impacts they’ve felt during the past few days and that information has been used in support of Council’s application to the State Government.
“In addition to that support, Council’s Local Recovery Group has already met to gather information on the varying impacts across the region,” he said.
Where residents have localised debris or items that require disposal, Council refuse facilities are operational and kerbside wheelie bin services have returned to normal.
The Local Recovery Group consists of five sub-groups and a range of stakeholders from various State and Local agencies. The recovery sub-groups include:
The group is due to meet again next week to discuss recovery progress and initiatives.
https://www.tr.qld.gov.au/about-council/news-publications/media-releases/16467-recovery-underway-as-trc-applies-to-state-for-disaster-relief-assistance-for-residents