January 15, 2018
BlazeAid volunteers began work in the South Burnett at the weekend to assist rural families hit by the Boxing Day storms.
Deputy Mayor Kathy Duff, who approached the group on behalf of Council, said the the volunteers had set up camp at the South Burnett PCYC in Murgon at the weekend.
“If you or someone you know has been affected by the severe weather event on Boxing Day and require assistance, please contact BlazeAid directly on 0455-190-151 to register,” she said.
Cr Duff put out a call for help with meal preparations or donations of non-perishable food items to feed the volunteers during their Murgon stay.
Anyone who can help should contact Joan Adams on 0474-105-919.
BlazeAid – which began in Victoria – works with families and individuals in rural Australia after natural disasters such as fires, floods or storms.
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After gathering detailed information about damage, South Burnett Regional Council has determined that the Boxing Day storms do not meet the criteria set by Natural Disaster Relief & Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) for Federal / State Government disaster assistance.
However, a Mayor Keith Campbell said other forms of assistance could be available from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
“Where a primary producer is in an area not activated for NDRRA assistance, but has suffered significant damage from a natural disaster, they are able to apply for an Individual Disaster Stricken Property (IDSP) declaration,” Mayor Campbell said.
” To obtain an IDSP declaration, please contact DAF on 13-25-23 to arrange an IDSP inspection by a DAF officer.
“It is unfortunate that our circumstances have not triggered financial assistance under the Commonwealth NDRRA guidelines, however I encourage affected residents to make contact with Council to discuss other assistance that may be available to them.”
Any residents that are seeking personal hardship assistance should contact Council on (07) 4189-9100.
