$15 million for cyclone community recovery

APRIL 27, 2017: THE announcement of almost $15 million in Category C community recovery funding for Local Government Areas (LGAs) including Mackay, Whitsunday, Isaac and Rockhampton is a sensible support step for those who have been adversely affected by Cyclone Debbie.This further level of Category C Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) funding provides for such initiatives as a personal support program to provide counselling for those experiencing personal and emotional difficulties, and financial counselling for those adjusting to changed financial circumstances.Another important element of this additional funding will be the provision of specialist mental health services and support for those experiencing severe distress and mental health disorders.It can be particularly appropriate for those with existing mental health problems (including children), and for emergency responders.Category C Community Recovery Funding of $14.7 million, which was announced by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today, will be provided jointly by the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments.Seven LGAs were approved for the additional funding; Mackay, Whitsunday, Isaac, Rockhampton, Gold Coast, Scenic Rim and Logan City.Delivery will be managed by the state’s Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services, as well as Queensland Health.Information on disaster assistance available for this natural disaster can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at https://www.disasterassist.gov.au/ and the Queensland Government’s Disaster management website at https://www.disaster.qld.gov.au/.