2013 Flood

North Burnett Flood Update

For further information and updates on the North Burnett 2013 Flood Event please refer to the latest Council News.

Community Recovery Teams assist North Burnett Residents

Community Recovery Co-Ordinators are available at the following Community Locations. These are also the locations you need to go to register for Disaster Relief Assistance.

For further assistance, please contact the Community Recovery team on 1800 173 349.

Tuesday: Mundubbera between 10 - 12 noon - Mundubbera Administration Centre

Wednesday: Gayndah between 10 - 12 noon - Gayndah Library

Thursday: Monto between 10 - 12 noon - Monto Library

Thursday Eidsvold between 1.30 - 3pm - Eidsvold Library

Public Health Information

Water Restrictions

Update 18-04-13

Gayndah moves to Level 3 water restrictions and Mundubbera remains on normal water operations / low level restrictions.

Restrictions have been lifted from all other towns within the North Burnett Regional Council area.

Town water supplies have been cleared and the boiled water alert has been lifted for all towns.

Please find below public health information and health related advice:

Rainwater tanks and bore water-holding tanks impacted by the floods are likely to contain harmful organisms. This is likely to mean the water stored in the affected tanks will not be suitable for normal use.

For further information on restoring your tank please refer to the Qld Govt Dept of Health website.

General Issues

Please be advised the Mingo Crossing Recreational Area is closed until further notice.

Department of Communities will be in a number of the towns to assist with assessing impacts of the flood on individual householders.

Primary industry personnel will be deployed to tour the region and assess the economic impacts.

Inundated houses require an electrical assessment before power can be restored.

Road inspections are continuing.

Beware of snakes and vermin when removing debris.

Do not walk through floodwaters.

Beware of river bank subsidence.

Be aware that the general public is not authorised to undertake works on public roads. To assist council with assessing work required, residents are asked to provide a photo of damaged roads with either the full address or a GPS location.

Please do not drive through road closed signs.

Should you find any material propety washed onto your property from the recent flood event ie. drums, furniture, containers, etc... please contact the Queensland Police Service direct.

Mosquito spraying will continue through out the North Burnett until Saturday, 16 February.

Record of Flood Levels

Council has secured the surveying services of the Department of Natural Resources and Mines to record the levels of the January 2013 floods. We seek assistance from residents in the North Burnett to help identify the exact height of the flood waters in our town and rural areas.

If you can assist us in this regard please contact Council's Building Services at the Gayndah office on 1300 696 272 (1300 MY NBRC).

Council also asks that you place a permanent mark on the height e.g. a nail, paint etc.

Available Assistance

North Burnett Regional Council has collated the following information to aid the community in accessing available assistance and financial support. The available support options are only just starting to roll out and further options are expected to appear. Please note: This listing is not exclusive or complete and is to be taken as a general guide only.

The Australian Government advises to visit www.disasterassist.gov.au for up to date information aiming at individuals and families to better access information about recovery assistance following a disaster.

Natural Disaster Rates Relief

North Burnett residents affected by the recent floods are advised that Natural Disaster Rates Relief is available through Council to assist ratepayers to cope with the payment of rates.

The issue of Rate Notices, for the period 1 January 2013 to 30 June 2013, was delayed by seven (7) weeks, from 20 February 2013 to 10 April 2013, to give the community some initial time to recover.

Ratepayers who have suffered financial loss as a result of the 2013 natural disaster may have a diminished capacity to pay their rates. Council will assist with relief based on the following criteria:

- The ratepayer applying for rates relief must be responsible for the payment of the rates and charges to which the requested relief relates.
- Ratepayers must apply on the prescribed application form.
- Ratepayers must have a diminished capacity to pay their rates as a result of the financial repercussions of the 2013 natural disaster, and as a result of any of the following circumstances:
        Their residence or business having been destroyed or condemned.
        Their residence or business having been inundated to above the floorboards/coverings by flood water.
        Significant loss of income due to their loss of business, employment, crop damage or   stock loss.
        Significant unexpected expenditure due to their requirement to pay for alternative accommodation for an extended period, which is not covered by insurance.
        Significant unexpected expenditure due to their requirement to pay for medical care, which is not covered by insurance.
        Significant financial or personal loss directly related to the 2013 natural disaster which is not included in any of the above circumstances and is not covered by insurance.

Further information on the types of rate relief available, council procedures for granting Natural Disaster Rates Relief or an Application Form can be found in Council's General Policy 257 - Natural Disaster Rates Relief, or can be collected at any of Council's six Administration Offices.

Emergency Financial Assisstance

In the first few days following a disaster, financial help may be available for your immediate, unexpected needs such as temporary accommodation, food, essential clothing and medication.

The Emergent Assistance Grant is for people in disaster declared areas, who are:

Experiencing hardship as a result of the disaster, and
Unable to meet their immediate needs for accommodation, food, essential clothing or medication.

The Emergent Assistance Grant is not income or asset tested. Subject to eligibility, applicants may receive between $180 and $900. To apply, phone the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

Queensland Floods Appeal 2013 payments

Eligible Queensland flood victims can apply for emergency assistance payments from the Queensland Floods Appeal 2013. Emergency payments will go first to those whose homes were made uninhabitable by the floods. Additional Information Application Form

Australian Government Disaster Recovery Program (AGDRP)

The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) is available to assist people who have been adversely affected by the Queensland floods that began on 21 January 2013. You have until 29 July 2013 to lodge a claim.

Claim form Factsheet information Details of eligibility and claiming process

The options for claiming are:
Ring the 1802266 number
Claim on line using Centrelink Online Services
Complete the paper claim - these can be taken to Centrelink or desktop faxed to 1300786102

QRAA Information and Assistance

Grants up to $25,000 are available from QRAA to assist your primary production enterprise in the North Burnett to pay for costs arising out of direct damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Oswald and Associated Rainfall and Flooding, 21 - 29 January 2013 QRAA administered Government financial services and programs.

QRAA Client Liaison Officers will also be at recovery centres in various locations to discuss financial assistance available to disaster affected primary producers, small businesses and non-profit organisations. For more details please visit QRAA's website calendar.

Other assistance schemes that are available through QRAA and can be viewed on the QRAA website are:

•         Natural Disaster Assistance (concessional loans up to $250,000)
•         First Start Loans (loans up to $650,000)
•         Sustainability Loans (loans up to $650,000)
•         Hendra Virus PPE Rebate Scheme

Essential Household Contents Grant

If you are uninsured, or unable to claim insurance, you may be eligible for financial assistance to help replace or repair essential household contents, such as beds, linen and whitegoods, that have been lost or damaged in a disaster. Further information

Structural Assistance Grant

If you're uninsured, or unable to claim insurance, you may be eligible for a one-off payment towards repairs to your home to make it secure and safe. Further information

Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Grant

If you're uninsured, or unable to claim insurance, you may be eligible for a grant to help you reconnect essential services that were damaged by a disaster. Further information

The Disaster Income Recovery Subsidy (DIRS)

The DIRS payment is available to assist employees, small business persons and farmers who experienced a loss of income as a direct result of the Queensland floods-January 2013. Information and fact sheet

DTMR Assistance

The Department of Main Roads (DTMR) provides assistance for customers impacted by the recent disaster by dropping various surcharges (for example there is no surcharge for short term registrations or replacement fees for lost or damaged drivers licences) DTMR Website Link

Certificate fees waived for flood and Cyclone victims

Victims of Queensland's floods and Cyclone can now apply for free replacement birth, death, marriage or change-of-name certificates, Justice of the Peace registration certificates and seals of office. Website Link

Special Grants to assist non-profit organisations

Grants are available from QRAA to assist non-profit organisations toward the costs arising out of direct damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Oswald and Associated Rainfall and Flooding, 21 - 29 January 2013. Further information

General Information on funding and assistance

The Qld Department of Housing is currently on site in the North Burnett Regional Council area and request any displaced flood affected residents to register with them. The Dept. has a range of housing products available to assist anyone whose homes were affected by the recent flooding. Staff are currently working throughout the region. If you have been affected and have been displaced you are strongly encouraged to register by phoning the Dept. of Housing Hotline - 1800 004 495.

DAFF assistance available to flood affected Primary Producers

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries information bus is currently in the North Burnett to provide information and forms available on assistance for flood affected Primary Producers including:

Category B assistance - $250,000 QRAA loans & freight subsidies
Category C assistance - $25,000 flood grants.

Following earlier visits to Gayndah, Mundubbera and Eidsvold, the bus can now be found at the following locations:

Monto            Wed 13 & Thu 14 Feb 9.00am to 4.00pm Community Hall
Mt Perry        Fri 15 Feb 9.30am - 1.00pm Community Hall
Biggenden     Mon 18 & Tues 19 Feb, 10.00am - 4.00pm both days front of CWA Edward St

North Burnett Flood Appeal 2013 has been organised by the Gayndah Churches Together for all flood affected North Burnett Residents. Please see the attached link for further information... http://www.facebook.com/groups/413933802020267/?fref=ts#!/NorthBurnettFloodAppeal2013

Donation Centre - A Donation Centre is now open at First Machinery Sales, 59 Dalgangal Rd Gayndah - Open 7 Days 8am-5pm North Burnett residents with goods to donate or residents requiring goods are requested to contact Rachael on 0423 768 479 or call in to the centre.

BIEDO have compiled a list of information and links on flood recovery funds and assistance.

The Australian Government Disaster Assist website provides individuals and families better access to information about recovery assistance following a disaster.

The Qld Gov Dept of Natural Resources and Mines are providing disaster recovery advice and assistance on a range of issues impacting flood-affected Queenslanders.

The Qld Govt Dept of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry provide flood and natural disaster factsheets . Information includes: Displaced and lost animals; Flood related fodder and feed shortages; Managing Citrus Orchards in Wet Weather; etc...

The Qld Govt Dept of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry has also provided information for flood affected farmers and rural businesses. If you have been affected by flooding, a step by step guide to support services to help you recover is available.

The Dept of Housing & Public Works, through its Mortgage Relief Loan, offers short term assistance to people experiencing difficulties with their home loan repayments. Mortgage Relief Factsheet

Volunteer Management System Established

Council has established a Volunteer Management System and is asking individuals, businesses and primary producers to register should they require volunteer support or need equipment that may have been offered by generous individuals. Council is also asking people who can offer support to register with Council. Registration is easy - just phone Council's Volunteer Coordinator on 4160 3528 or send an email to recovery@northburnett.qld.gov.au

Operation Farm Save - Volunteers Needed in the North Burnett

Flooding has impacted many sectors of the North Burnett region with primary producers having been particularly hard hit.

Council is helping BlazeAid to set up in some of the towns to provide support to those primary producers affected. This volunteer organisation works with farmers and families in rural Australia after natural disasters such as fires and floods to rebuild fences that have been damaged or destroyed, and help communities to become productive again.

If you can assist, please register online at www.emergencyvolunteering.com.au or call Volunteering Queensland on 1800 944 100.

For further information please refer to our Council News.

REGISTER YOUR REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE…NOW!

HELP US, HELP YOU

Many North Burnett farms and properties have been catastrophically impacted by flooding and need help right now with fencing, to clear their properties of debris and get irrigation back in place.

North Burnett Regional Council is helping volunteer groups such as BlazeAid and Volunteering Queensland, to provide support to those affected. Volunteers work with farmers to rebuild fences that have been damaged, remove debris and help communities to become productive again.

TELL US YOUR NEEDS… We are seeking information from residents to help North Burnett Regional Council in understanding the various needs of the community, so we can help.

HOW WE CAN HELP… Please find a Request for Assistance Form for your completion. It is a registration of need resulting from the 2013 Flood Event, which we may refer to any number of agencies or organisations, such as BlazeAid and Volunteering Queensland, which may be able to assist. In order to provide you with assistance, further information may be required by those organisations.

This information is being collected and stored by Council to inform the volunteer effort throughout the North Burnett. While Council will make every endeavour to seek assistance to meet your request, it is not a commitment by Council that this work will be undertaken. Completion of this work is completely dependent on available volunteer resources.

Please complete the Form and return to your local Council Administration Office, or phone providing your information on 07 4160 3528, or send an email to recovery@northburnett.qld.gov.au

Road and Bridge updates

Updates on Council roads can be found on our Road and Bridge Conditions page.

For information on state controlled roads (Department of Transport and Main Roads) please refer to the Department of Transport and Main Roads website under Road Closures and Incidents. An interactive map is also available.

Road Information

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is continuing reconstruction works from the 2010/2011 flood event within the North Burnett Area, with works to start on the Burnett Highway (between Monto and just north of Coominglah) from mid-May 2013 through to October 2013, weather permitting. Motorists may experience delays of up to 10 minutes and are requested to travel ALL ROADS with extreme care and responsibility, to drive to the prevailing road conditions and to adhere to signed conditions.

Many roads have sustained varying degrees of damage, please drive to the road conditions.

Please be aware there are many feeder roads that been damaged and may not be accessable.

There are numerous cases of mud on roads and bridges.

Dont forget, "If it's flooded, forget it!"

Building and Insurance Information for Flood Damaged Houses

For building and insurance information for flood damaged houses, please refer to the following links:

www.bsadisasterrecovery.qld.gov.au

Flood repair guide for timber houses

Should you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact Council's Building Department on 1300 696 272 (1300 MY NBRC).

Insurance Processes and Issues

For those seeking general guidance on insurance processes and issues, please note the following information from the Insurance Council of Australia:
• General advice and cleanup tips in the latest ICA media release.
• General advice and guidance in the ICA consumer tips for disaster recovery - Also currently being handed out in recovery centres.
• A 24/7 insurance hotline ( 1800 734 621 ) has been operating since 4/1/13 and is available to QLD Community members who have questions about their policy or their claim.
• The ICA has staff operating in Bundaberg recovery centres assisting community members who have questions and issues.

Waste Management Facilities / Rubbish Bin Service

All North Burnett Regional Council Waste Management Facilities have resumed normal operating hours. Fees and Charges apply. For flood waste enquiries please contact the Environmental Health Department on 1300 696 272.

Due to the large volumes of waste being deposited at the facilities, residents are asked to take care when entering the facilities.

Residents are reminded to wash hands thoroughly when handling flood waste.

Please note that scavenging at Council's Waste Management Facilities is prohibited.

Normal rubbish bin pick up has resumed.

Residents are requested not to overfill their bins as the arms on the truck cannot lift the bins.