Support for flood-affected residents and businesses

Many communities within the Scenic Rim region have been devastated by the recent floods that have swept across Queensland. While the full impacts of this event are yet to be revealed, we wish to make it known to residents and businesses that we will support them as much as possible. 

We're aware that residents, community groups, small businesses, tourism operators and producers are more than likely to become overwhelmed with the assistance measures and packages released by State and Federal Government departments in the recovery efforts. This page will aim to simplify the information as much as possible and make clear what assistance is out there for residents and businesses. 

Support for residents

  • Scenic Rim residents and business operators suffering financial hardship as a result of the recent torrential rain and flooding may be eligible for rates assistance from Council until June next year. The Application for Rate Relief - Flood form can be downloaded here.
  • Beyond Blue - Check out Beyond Blue's guide on how to look after your mental health after natural disasters.
  • Community Recovery Grants portal has information on personal and family support. You can also phone 1800 173 349 to speak with someone.
  • GIVIT - If you are in need of donated items such as bedding, furniture or clothing, visit the GIVIT website.
  • Lifeline - Lifeline provides counselling and support, including crisis counselling, to people affected by a disaster. Visit the website or phone 131 114 for over-the-phone support.
  • National Australian Bank - Immediate access to $1,000 grants are available to help cover costs such as temporary accommodation, food and clothing (eligibility criteria applies), in addition to potential credit card relief and a moratorium on home loan repayments. NAB customers who have suffered damage to their home and need assistance can call NAB Assist on 1300 308 132 (8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, or 9am to 1pm Saturday AEST/AEDT).
  • Queensland Reconstruction Authority - Disaster assistance has been activated for 17 local government areas: Brisbane, Fraser Coast, Gold Coast, Gympie, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, North Burnett, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, South Burnett, Southern Downs, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba. This support will help with the response, clean-up and then reconstruction efforts once flood waters recede and impact assessments can be undertaken. More information on disaster assistance can be found here.
  • Talking to kids - Children's Health Queensland have a range of digital storybooks that help children understand and recover from disasters, including floods.
  • Red Cross - Applications are now open for two Red Cross grants: a Relief Grant for people who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of flood impact to their primary place of residence and Bereavement Grant to support senior next-of-kin of those who died as a direct result of the floods with immediate needs. Find out more here.
  • Find out about general Queensland Government emergency hardship and other assistance grants if you've been affected by a natural disaster.

Support for businesses and producers

  • DESBT Survey - The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training is collecting data about businesses following the recent flooding event to understand the impact and what assistance is required. Businesses are invited to take this short survey.
  • Disaster Recovery Allowance - You and your employees may be eligible for a short-term payment if your income has been affected by a disaster. Visit the Department of Human Services for disaster recovery allowance eligibility criteria.
  • Rural Aid - Rural Aid are available for our primary producing farmers before, during and after disasters events. Rural Aid can support primary producers with domestic water, financial assistance, fodder and counselling and wellbeing services. To register for assistance with Rural Aid, select this link or contact them on 1300 327 624. 
  • National Australia Bank - $1,000 business grants are available to help restart or reopen and cover the cost of damaged property, equipment, fencing, etc. Additionally, 3 months free merchant terminal rental and free replacement of terminal if lost/damaged due to disaster. NAB business customers wishing to access the grants should call NAB’s dedicated team on 1300 769 650 (8am to 5pm Monday to Friday AEST/AEDT).
  • Primary Producer's Natural Disaster Impact Survey - Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) asks primary producers to report damage to help assess the level of assistance required to support recovery. Simply share information about damage to infrastructure, livestock or crops and upload photos if you can. Complete the online survey or call DAF's customer service centre on 13 25 23.
  • Queensland Reconstruction Authority - Disaster assistance has been activated for 17 local government areas: Brisbane, Fraser Coast, Gold Coast, Gympie, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, North Burnett, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, South Burnett, Southern Downs, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba. This support will help with the response, clean-up and then reconstruction efforts once flood waters recede and impact assessments can be undertaken. If are you are a scenic rim primary producer or business click here to find out more about what assistance is available. Please contact Council's Regional Prosperity Team (07 5540 5111) if your require support in navigating the process to apply.
  • Small Business Disaster Hub - The Disaster Hub contains resources to assist small business with a range of disasters (including flooding) to help them prepare, respond, recover and communicate so they can get back to business sooner. The Hub is also available as a free app, you can download through the App Store, or Google Play. 

What to do if your property has been impacted by flooding and storms

  • You can start cleaning up but first take pictures or videos of damage to the property and possessions as evidence for your claim
  • Keep samples of materials and fabrics to show your insurance assessor
  • Remove water damaged goods from your property that might pose a health risk, such as saturated carpets and soft furnishings
  • Make a list of each item damaged and include a detailed description, such as brand, model, and serial number if possible
  • If water has entered the property, do not turn on your electricity until it has been inspected by an electrician
  • Store damaged or destroyed items somewhere safe where they do not pose a health risk
  • Speak to your insurer before you attempt or authorise any building work, including emergency repairs, and ask for the insurer’s permission in writing. Unauthorised work may not be covered by your policy
  • Do not throw away goods that could be salvaged or repaired

Mental health and wellbeing support

How you can help 

  • For any locals looking to pitch in and help recovery efforts, please head to Volunteer Queensland's website at www.volunteeringqld.org.au or phone 07 3002 7600 to get connected to local recovery projects.
  • GIVIT - GIVIT is managing offers of donated goods, services, volunteering and funds, including corporate offers, in response to the widespread flooding. Visit the GIVIT website with more information on how you can donate.
  • Please share this page with your community to ensure as many people as possible are made aware of the assistance that is available.

Stay informed

For the latest information about potential emergencies impacting the Scenic Rim region, visit the Disaster Dashboard.

Share this page

Admin Login