Recovery Information
Returning to normality after a disaster may be quick or difficult and prolonged.
Following an event, the Local Disaster Management Group will convene its Local Recovery and Resilience Sub Group to:
- ensure people's wellbeing;
- rebuild essential infrastructure;
- help local economic recovery; and,
- rehabilitate the natural environment.
Team Townsville - people who are working together to get Townsville back on its feet.
Wellbeing
Recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process. Safety is a primary issue, as are mental and physical wellbeing. If assistance is available, knowing how to access it makes the process faster and less stressful. This section offers some general advice on steps to take after disaster strikes in order to begin getting your home, your community and your life back to normal.
Community Recovery Referral and Information Centres
The State Government Community Recovery Team are here to assist you with your recovery process. You can contact them by phoning the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349, or by visiting a Community Recovery Referral and Information Centre location through the following link:
NQ Connect
NQ Connect provides flood affected residents with access to a dedicated mental health support service, providing confidential 24/7 counselling support during flood recovery.
In this time of crisis, there are people you can talk to. If you would like to talk with a professional counsellor, call NQ Connect 24/7on 1300 059 625, or visit the NQ Connect website for web chat, video counselling or online discussion forums at www.nqconnect.com.au
Financial Assistance
Is the Community Recovery team trying to call you?
The Queensland Government’s Community Recovery team has been trying to contact a large number of people who have applied for grants and need to be visited in their homes or provide additional information.
If you have already applied for a grant, your application will continue to be processed after the grants close. If you receive a call from an unknown number we may be trying to call you to finalise your application – so please check your voicemail or messages.
If your phone number or address has changed since you made your application, please contact the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 to advise us of this.
Far North Queensland Floods – Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment $1,000 per adult and $400 for each child https://bit.ly/2MTZeTj
Far North Queensland Floods, February 2019 - Disaster Recovery Allowance for short term payment if a disaster directly affects your income https://bit.ly/2SvVWL6
Essential Services Hardship Assistance Grant - Supports people directly impacted by a disaster when they have lost one or more essential services for five days. $150 per person, $750 for a family of five or more https://bit.ly/2SvVWL6
Emergency hardship assistance grant - Supports people directly impacted by a disaster to meet essential needs for food, clothing, medical supplies or temporary accommodation, $180 per person and up to $900 for a family of five or more https://bit.ly/2RAxpjL
Essential household contents grant - If you are uninsured or unable to claim insurance, you may be eligible for financial assistance towards replacing or repairing essential household contents. Up to $$1,765 for single adults and up to $5,300 https://bit.ly/2BpP2x8
Structural assistance grant - If you are uninsured or unable to claim insurance, you may be eligible for a one-off payment to contribute towards repairs to your home to make it secure and safe. Up to $10,995 for single adults and up to $14,685 for couples or families https://bit.ly/2UKPyx2
Essential services safety and reconnection grant - if you are uninsured, or are unable to claim insurance, you may be eligible for a grant to help reconnect essential services that were damaged by a disaster. Up to $200 towards a safety inspection for each essential service (electricity, gas, water and sewerage or septic system). Up to $4,200 towards repair work to enable essential services to be reconnected (for example, electrical wiring) https://bit.ly/2WQCfgn
Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) Category B disaster assistance for small businesses impacted by flooding. Disaster assistance loans of up to $250,000, and essential working capital loans of up to $100,000 https://bit.ly/2UL8L1F
For information and support phone the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.
Emergency Housing Assistance
If you have had to leave your home as a result of the severe weather event in Townsville, the Queensland Government can help!
If your house has been damaged and you cannot live in it, you can request emergency housing assistance through the Department of Housing and Public Works using this online form. You do not have to be a social housing tenant to access this service:
Rental Recovery Hub
The Department of Housing and Public Works (HPW) has joined forces with the REIQ, the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) and Tenants Queensland to preserve tenancies, and help impacted renters in the private market and real estate agents get back on their feet.
HPW has established a Rental Recovery Hub at the Rising Sun Shopping Centre in Mundingburra, Townsville, which is a dedicated space where agents and renters can access joined-up, coordinated advice and brokerage assistance to resolve their housing situations.
The Rental Recovery Hub will:
- have REIQ, RTA, Tenants Queensland and HPW staff working together to swiftly resolve situations for both tenants and agents who need advice and brokerage assistance,
- operate from 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week, for as long as needed, and
- be strongly connected with the local Housing Service Centre and Recovery Centers, so as to avoid duplication and confusion for affected residents.
Location:
Shop 2,Rising Sun Shopping Centre
10-14 Ross River Road, Mundingburra
Get rebuild ready with Samaritan’s Purse
Samaritan’s Purse are in Townsville to help flood-affected residents get rebuild ready.
They will assist with the following free of charge:
- Flood affected possession removal
- Drywall removal
- Carpet removal
- Cleaning
- Anti-bacterial spray
This free service is available for every flood affected home.
For more information and to request assistance from Samaritan’s Purse, contact 0475 870 024, or NationalDRU1@samaritanspurse.org.au.
Information in other languages
How can I help?
Your first step should be to check in with your neighbours and try to assist them where you can.
If you have already checked in with your neighbours and still wish to help with the disaster recovery, there are several organisations you may contact to offer further assistance.
Donations
Where can I donate items?
Council is working with GIVIT to assist with donations. You can view a list of the items required on their website http://givit.org.au/
Volunteering
I’d like to volunteer, how can I help?
Residents wanting to volunteer are being urged to join #TeamTownsville and do #WhateverItTakes:
- Help a friend, family member or neighbour that needs assistance.
- Make contact with an existing charity, community group or sporting group to offer assistance.
- If you or your company employees want to be part of a coordinated clean-up or if you would like to support by volunteering other skills, register with Volunteering QLD www.emergencyvolunteering.com.au
Wellbeing Factsheets
- Kids Helpline Flood Information (PDF)
- QLD Government Self Recovery App
- THHS - Dust Storm Factsheet (PDF)
- THHS - School playground equipment after floods Factsheet (PDF)
- THHS - Returning home after floods and storms Factsheet (PDF)
- THHS - Food Hygiene Factsheet (PDF)
- THHS - Mosquito issues Factsheet (PDF)
- THHS - Meliodosis Factsheet (PDF)
- THHS - Stock losses in the flood and heat (PDF)
Built Environment
Our crews are busily repairing our road networks, sewers and water pipes, you can assist us maintaining our city by downloading one of the apps below or completing our online Report a Problem Form.
Council Mobile Apps
iCouncil for iPhone and iPad | Snap Send Solve for Android |
iCouncil lets you interact with your Council any time, easily. Install the app and you’ll be able to quickly report problems to your Council such as dumped rubbish, potholes, graffiti and damaged infrastructure.
| Interact with council and be able to report your problems utilising your android phone.
|
These apps allow the use of image upload and geocodes to be sent. | |
Bulk Waste Collection
The flood waste collection in flood affected areas has now been completed.
A separate regular annual hard waste collection will take place later in the year. Residents can find out when their suburb will be serviced by visiting the Kerbside Collection page.
North QLD Flood Register
The North QLD Flood Register will allow affected home owners to search for licensed contractors who are available to help with repairs, to make homes safe, secure and habitable.
Licensed contractors, you can add your details to the register by visiting https://qbcc.build/2WRCWX5
If you are a licensed electrician you can also register with Master Electricians Australia to provide electrical service support in Townsville.
Please visit www.qbcc.qld.gov.au for more information
Important Building Site Information
Many activities on building and construction sites produce significant levels of noise and result in becoming an environmental nuisance. Although some noise is unavoidable, it can be controlled fairly simply or limited to more convenient times through the day.
Building noise is prohibited Monday to Saturday from 6.30pm to 6.30am, Sundays and public holidays. Audible noise is any noise which may be heard on the property boundary – including tools, trucks, machinery or any other source of noise.
For more information please contact Council.
- Building noise fact sheet PDF, 1.1 MB
- Clean building sites fact sheet PDF, 1.8 MB
Infrastructure Factsheets
- QBCC - How to rebuild after a natural disaster (PDF)
- QBCC - Natural Disasters FAQs - Homeowners (PDF)
- QBCC - Natural Disasters FAQS - Contractors (PDF)
- QBCC - Building and Construction Industry Contacts (PDF)
- QBCC - A Contractor's Guide to rebuilding after a flood (PDF)
- QBCC - Using plumbing and water in flood and cyclonic affected areas (PDF)
Economic
A natural disaster can affect your business in many ways. This section will focus on providing avenues and support for the affected businesses of Townsville.
Small Business Recovery Centre
Business QLD - Go Local, Grow Local
Easter Closure, Friday 19 April to Monday 22 April. For assistance please contact the Customer Care Manager 0459 8783 781.
Small Business Recovery Centre is now open as a one-stop shop to help small businesses get back up and running. Drop in or make an appointment to access advice from local, state and federal agencies.
Support includes:
- one-on-one mentoring with small business recovery experts
- access to government and community representatives
- advice on insurance, workplace health and safety, HR, retail leases, taxation and BAS
- small business workshops
- workspace to conduct your business
- access to communication tools to encourage the community to shop local.
Small Business Recovery Centre
143 Walker Street, Townsville
9am – 5pm daily, including weekends - closed over Easter.
1300 654 687
business.qld.gov.au/recovery
Small Business Recovery Centre Factsheet (PDF)
Business QLD - Rebuilding your business
Natural Disaster Business Survey
The Queensland Government is connecting with business owners impacted by the recent North Queensland monsoon event disaster to identify what is needed most to help during this challenging time.
The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training is collecting data about your business following the monsoon event. This data will help us understand the impact on affected businesses and what assistance is required.
Any information you provide is confidential.
https://analytics-au.clickdimensions.com/cn/ainos/nqmonsoon2019
Financial Relief for Business
- Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) Category B disaster assistance for small businesses impacted by flooding. Disaster assistance loans of up to $250,000, and essential working capital loans of up to $100,000
- QLD Treasury - Tax obligations
Small Business
Applications for Special Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants up to a maximum of $50,000, with an initial release of $25,000 upfront are available to assist eligible small business to assist with clean-up and reinstatement costs.
Download the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority application and guidelines
Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority have representatives at the Small Business Recovery Hub on Walker St, Townsville City to assist with applications and queries. To make an appointment to see Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority at the Small Business Recovery Hub call 1300 654 687.
For more information or to apply go to qrida.qld.gov.au or by calling 1800 623 946.
Primary Producer Grants
Applications for Special Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants up to a maximum of $75,000 are available to assist eligible primary producers to assist with clean-up and reinstatement costs.
For more information or to apply go to qrida.qld.gov.au or by calling 1800 623 946.
Non-profit organisation
Applications for Special Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants up to a maximum of $50,000 are available to assist small businesses and non-profits to assist with clean-up and reinstatement costs.
For more information or to apply go to qrida.qld.gov.au or by calling 1800 623 946.
Australian Financial Complaints Authority
Consumers and small businesses with insurance issues can lodge a complaint for free with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) if they are not satisfied with the progress or outcome of their insurance claim.
Issues may relate to:
- the decline of a claim,
- the amount an insurer is agreeing to pay,
- disagreements as to the works required, or
- delays and service issues.
Refer to AFCA Frequently Asked Questions factsheet to assist you in gathering the information needed to make a compliant.
Consumers and small businesses can also lodge a complaint with AFCA about financial difficulty issues they may be experiencing with their bank or credit providers.
A complaint can be lodged online at www.afca.org.au or by calling 1800 931 678.
QBCC Licenced Contractors Register
The North QLD Flood Register will allow affected home owners to search for licensed contractors who are available to help with repairs, to make homes safe, secure and habitable.
Licensed contractors, you can add your details to the register by visiting https://qbcc.build/2WRCWX5
If you are a licensed electrician you can also register with Master Electricians Australia to provide electrical service support in Townsville.
Please visit www.qbcc.qld.gov.au for more information
Factsheets
Environment
After a flood disaster environmental recovery includes the restoration and regeneration of biodiversity (species and plants) and ecosystems, natural resources and environmental infrastructure. It also includes the management of environmental health, waste, contamination and pollution, and hazardous materials.
Mould
How to keep your family safe from mould:
- Dampness and Mould - Use fans with windows open OR aircon on dry mode with windows closed.
- Flood affected items - Throw out items that have been damp for more than two days.
- Cleaning and sanitising - Household cleaners or white vinegar for cleaning.
- Protective clothing - Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.
- People with asthma or allergies - Should not be involved in the clean up.
- Repair leaks - repair any roofing or plumbing as soon as possible.
Mould: mostly just a nuisance (PDF)
Natroshield Organic Sanitiser is being made available free of charge to Townsville residents to assist in the fight against mould and prevent spread of disease.
Final days of FREE mould remover distribution! Natroshield Sanitiser located next to OfficeWorks will finish at 5pm this Sunday 3 March. This site is open today (Friday) until 5pm and Saturday and Sunday 7am – 5pm.
Natroshield will be offering their own giveaway, please visit there facebook page for details on location and times. If you would like to purchase this product for future use visit natroshield.com.au
Natural Environment Recovery
After flood events it is normal to find fish trapped in pools of receding floodwater. If you see fish trapped in pools and struggling please notify Council to determine relocating the fish.
If you come across sick or dead birds or dead fish please notify Council by calling 13 48 10.
Due to the influx of flood water, debris and nutrients into our lakes and waterways there is potential of algal blooms and possible fish kills as the weather heats up. Council is continuing with its regular water quality testing program to monitor and respond to the situation.
National Parks Access and Closures
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is pleased to re-open some parks and forests, as our focus shifts to assessment and recovery.
Find out the park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions at parks.des.qld.gov.au/park-alerts/
Odour Suppressant
Townsville City Council crews will be using an environmentally friendly spray to reduce smells from waterways, stormwater drains and silted streets.
Areas in Idalia, Rosslea and Annandale will be prioritised. Council crews will continue to assess flood-affected areas and will move the spray truck to other areas as required.
The spray is environmentally friendly and uses beneficial microbes to suppress odour, improve water quality and reduce the risk of algal blooms.
The microbes work by accelerating natural processes to break down pollutants into harmless natural compounds and reduce odour.
Wildlife
Due to the recent flood event, some wildlife have been displaced from their normal habitats. While trying to find their way to a safe spot, through no fault of their own, many animals have been pushed into people’s yards and suburban areas.
Currently Townsville Wildlife Rescuers are dealing with a large number of displaced animals, please see the attached flyer for information on how you can help them.
- Willdlife Information (PDF)
CrocWatch
If you see a crocodile, report it to CrocWatch on 1300 130 372 as soon as possible.
Townsville's Ross River has a healthy population of freshwater crocodiles. Some of them are now finding themselves high and dry after the flooding over the last few days. Freshwater crocodiles are timid animals that avoid humans if possible, and won't attack people unless they feel threatened.
Crocodiles dislike floods as much as we do – just like us they seek shelter during the event and return to quieter places once the flooding is over. If a croc has swum over a barrier in the flood it could become stuck as the waters recede, so keep an eye out for crocodiles in unexpected places such as roadside drains. If you see a crocodile, report it to CrocWatch on 1300 130 372 as soon as possible.
Environment Factsheets
- Mould: mostly just a nuisance (PDF)
- Natroshield Organic Sanitiser - Free Mould Remover (PDF)
- Natroshield Organic Sanitiser - Safety Data Sheet (PDF)
- QBCC - Asbestos Removal (PDF)
- Worksafe QLD - How to handle asbestos safely after a storm (PDF)
- Worksafe QLD - Which businesses are licensed to remove asbestos in QLD? (website)
- Industrial Relations QLD - Asbestos A guide for minor renovations (PDF)
- QLD Government - Asbestos resources (website)
- THHS - Dust Storm Factsheet (PDF)
- THHS - School playground equipment after floods Factsheet (PDF)
- THHS - Returning home after floods and storms Factsheet (PDF)
- THHS - Food Hygiene Factsheet (PDF)
- THHS - Mosquito issues Factsheet (PDF)
- THHS - Meliodosis Factsheet (PDF)
- THHS - Stock losses in the flood and heat (PDF)
- Natural Environment Recovery Subgroup Outcomes - March 2019 (PDF)
