The number of troops on the ground in Ipswich’s flood-impacted suburbs has risen to 451 as the Australian Defence Force (ADF) supports council and assists Ipswich residents.
The ADF will continue assisting council with flood relief at Colleges Crossing Recreational Reserve, which was hit particularly hard by recent flooding.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said council is working closely with the ADF on disaster relief after the flood.
“Seeing the ADF on the ground is such a boost to so many people who have the mammoth task of clean up and rebuilding ahead of them,” Mayor Harding said.
“The ADF has continued to arrive each day and spread out into the priority areas that best assists the community.
“To date, the ADF has assisted with the clearing of 107 homes, 26 community facilities and a number of roads within Ipswich.
“327 truckloads of water damaged items and flood debris have been removed from across Ipswich.
Mayor Teresa Harding with ADF Personnel at Goodna.
“The ADF formed two task units to support Ipswich City Council – Task Unit Eagle and Task Unit Heeler.
“The Task Units carried out critical flood relief activities in the Ipswich Local Government Area, with just under half of those 451 personnel being from our own RAAF Base Amberley.
“For them, the work they are doing holds personal significance given Ipswich is their home.
“While predominantly made up of Royal Australian Air Force personnel, the units also comprise of members from the Australian Army and Royal Australian Navy making it a truly joint contribution with some members travelling from ADF units in Victoria and South Australia to assist with the clean-up.
“Council and the Ipswich community appreciate the ADF’s help in assisting our community in the wake of this devastating flood.”
For information on Personal Hardship Assistance and Essential Services Hardship Assistance, contact the Community Recovery Hotline 1800 173 349 or visit www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies
Other grants such the Essential Household Contents Grant, Structural Assistance Grant and Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Grant, which are income tested, are also available to eligible residents who are uninsured and have experienced certain loss or damage following this disaster.
Community Recovery online portal at www.communityrecovery.qld.gov.au
Part of a sports club or organisation?
The Sport and Recreation Disaster Recovery Program supports not-for-profit sport and recreation organisations with funding to re-establish facilities and activities after extreme natural events.
Funding of up to $20,000 may be available for eligible sport and active recreation organisations located in areas declared under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
For more information, visit www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/disaster-recovery
The Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority has also released funding support for eligible not-for-profit clubs and organisations from $5,000 up to $50,000.
For more information follow this link.
For information on support available not-for-profit organisations please call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 or visit www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies/disasters/support-nfp-ngos
The Ipswich Flood Recovery information webpage can be accessed at Ipswich.qld.gov.au/floodrecovery
A range of support and information is also available for Ipswich businesses impacted by recent rainfall and floods.
Visit Business Ipswich for information to help you get back on your feet.
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