Social cost on community is rising

FLOOD-weary locals are receiving crisis help from recovery centres at three locations around town supported by council, the Queensland government, and organisations such as the Red Cross.
The centres are part of a sweeping set of measures to aid recovery efforts, which ramped up last week when the premier announced a multi-million-dollar flood appeal at the launch of Kingston’s flood recovery centre.
The appeal has generated more than $2 million. It will distribute money between the Red Cross, Lifeline Queensland, The Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul, and GIVIT. The organisations will redirect the money back into the community as needed.
The Kingston East Neighbourhood Group centre is one of three recovery hubs in Logan that are open all week from 9am to 4pm.
The other two centres operate from the Beenleigh PCYC and Caddies Community Centre, Jimboomba.
On the front porch of the Kingston hub, a wardrobe on wheels kept a range of emergency children’s clothing, while a stream of donors brought in bags of essential items.
Behind closed doors, welfare checks run by Red Cross helpers proved a one-stop shop for navigating documents for government grants and connecting people with emotional support, along with charities to help recover lost goods.
Counsellor Fiona Muller from the Kingston East Neighbourhood Centre said tending to people’s wellbeing from all angles, both practical and emotional, was crucial.
“We’re able to provide counselling among other practical support, but really, the ability for a person to share their story to be heard and validated is powerful and healing,” she said.
Ms Muller said KENG is one of the few community centres around Logan providing free counselling all year round, but this past week has proven how important they are to the community.
A spokesperson for the state department for communities, housing, and the digital economy said housing assistance is also available at the centres.
“Staff at the hubs can also provide housing support to displaced homeowners, people in the private rental market, social housing tenants, and homeless people impacted by the floods,” they said.
The Queensland Fire and Emergency Service estimates that more than 366 houses and businesses in Logan have been assessed for damage, ranging from ‘minor’ to ‘destroyed’.
Logan City Council’s figures show that 238 homes were inundated and 50 were yet to be inspected as of Thursday last week.
Council is offering a $250 rebate on bills to ease the burden.
“It is significant because it matches what Brisbane offered, but it has a level of compassion that allows people to have a no-interest rates freeze,” Cr Lane said.
For flood affected households, that means council will not charge interest on overdue rates on a payment plan. Cr Lane said it was important people notify council to start that process.
A Queensland government duty officer at the Kingston centre said there was a lot of confusion about the two streams of financial support provided by the state and federal government.
She said this is why people should sign up for a consultation. She said despite what many people think, grants are available for people who are uninsured and do not have a MyGov account. Applications close September 1.