Alan Broome
“Don’t self-assess and think you’re not eligible for assistance.” This was the main message from the latest round of flood recovery information evenings held around the South Burnett.
The South Burnett Regional Council has been working with government departments and community support organisations to host flood recovery information evenings over the past week.
“The Community Recovery sub-committee organised three information evenings last week to provide people affected by the floods in the South Burnett with up-to-date information on flood recovery assistance programs,” Cr Kathy Duff said.
“The committee is well aware that the ‘recovery’ is far from over and we went back out to the community to ensure they had the latest information.
“The feedback from those that attended was really positive and they appreciate that Council and the other support agencies have taken a lead role.”
Rural Financial Counsellor Alan Broome said the information evenings had been a great opportunity for farmers to gather information about financial and funding options.
“It also gave them the opportunity to hear about the extension to applications for the $25,000 grants and for loans up to $650,000 until November 29, 2013,” he said.
“The gatherings gave people the opportunity to talk one-on-one with support agencies and access help in filling in grant and loan applications.”
The information sessions were held at Ironpot Hall, Nanango Cultural Centre and Mondure Hall.
Representatives from Council, the Burnett Inland Economic Development Organisation (BIEDO), AgForce, Centacare, Centrelink, Burnett Mary Regional Group, Salvation Army and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry were present.
“The gatherings were about letting people know that there is still assistance available,” Trudi Bartlett, from BIEDO, said.
“BIEDO are able to offer primary producers with three hours free confidential assistance to fill in forms or to simply have a chat to find out what assistance is available.
“We work very closely with Council and the other support agencies who are all doing an amazing job.”
Cr Duff said the main message that the meetings wanted to get “out there” was not to self-assess and rule yourself inelegible for assistance.
“Even if you are not needing assistance we encourage people to let their neighbours know that there is help available,” she said.
