26 September 2023

Backing for bushfire communities

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The Federal Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management has announced a Community Recovery Package aimed at supporting the mental health of communities impacted by the recent bushfires.

The Minister, David Littleproud said the $14 million Community Recovery Package would be provided through the jointly-funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

“This latest extraordinary assistance funding will provide urgent support to address community needs, including mental health and wellbeing,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Queensland communities were severely affected by catastrophic bushfires between September and December last year, having a devastating impact on homes, businesses and the environment.”

He said the physical damage of the bushfires had taken a heavy emotional toll on individuals, families and the wider community, and there was a need to ensure the mental health needs of people were supported.

“This Phase Two package includes $4.7 million to address the risk to the mental health and wellbeing of communities doing it tough and $3 million to employ Community Development Officers,” Mr Littleproud said.

“In addition, $6 million has been allocated for a flexible grants program for non-Government organisations, communities groups and Local Government to support locally-led recovery and resilience-building activities.”

Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk said the funding was in addition to a $6 million Phase One package announced in December to support tourism and regional economies.

“Notably, this Phase Two package includes a Community Mental Health Program to provide specialist mental health support and emotional wellbeing for individuals, families, volunteers and communities impacted by the bushfire events,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

She said Community Development Officers would work across the Local Government areas of Livingstone, Lockyer Valley, Noosa, Scenic Rim, Somerset and Southern Downs to address recovery needs and develop community-led action plans.

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