Extra support for disaster areas of Tasmania and Queensland

The Australian Government is providing additional support to 14 organisations providing emergency relief to people impacted by the natural disasters in Tasmania and Queensland earlier this year.

The Minister for Community Services, Julie Collins, said the organisations in Tasmania’s Clarence, Sorell and Tasman local government areas and Queensland’s North Burnett, South Burnett and Fraser Coast will share in a $133,300 boost in federal funds.

“Community organisations in the disaster affected areas have experienced a significant increase in demand for emergency relief services,” Ms Collins said.

“We know that families and individuals in the disaster-affected areas are facing the daunting task of rebuilding their lives and continue to need assistance to manage this process.

“They turn to these organisations, which are connected to their communities and are one of the important focal points in the post-disaster recovery operations.

“The boost in funding will assist these 14 organisations to provide emergency relief in the form of food, tents, eskys, air beds, hygiene packs, water containers, fuel and material to assist in rebuilding, accommodation and repairs.

“The Australian Government is providing more than $180 million through the Emergency relief Program to around 700 organisations across Australia over four years.

“As well as being used to buy items to help people rebuild their lives, emergency relief can also include the provision of items such as vouchers for food, transport or chemist supplies and as part-payment of utility bills and referrals to other services.”

The list of organisations receiving additional emergency relief funding is attached.