Stories of generosity and resilience have emerged in the aftermath of the flood as the Ipswich community has pulled together to help one another.
Local Disaster Management Group Chairperson Mayor Teresa Harding said as the flood clean-up and recovery continues, people are witnessing first-hand the community spirit that makes Ipswich great.
“Council, emergency services, the Australian Defence Force and key stakeholders have been joined by volunteers and locals from across Ipswich who are turning up and simply asking – what can I do?” Mayor Harding said.
“We have seen people driving around delivering meals door to door, turning up with cleaning products and businesses have donated wheelbarrows and PPE and even turned up with heavy machinery ready to lend a hand.
“There have been Facebook groups pop-up to connect those who need help with those who are able to give it and council want to acknowledge everyone who has rolled up their sleeves to help someone else during this disaster.”
As the community banded together, 933 volunteers registered for the Ipswich clean-up and the RAAF continue to assist flood-impacted areas.
Council has assisted the community remove almost 10,000 tonnes of waste with more than 4,200 tonnes of that being flood waste material.
Council kerbside collection crews have collected at least 1000 tonnes of waste directly from affected properties.
About 7,500 visits have occurred at Riverview and Rosewood Recycling and Refuse Centres and flood impacted residents and businesses can dispose of waste for free for another week after council extended the free entry to the centres until Sunday, 20 March.
Council crews have filled 700 potholes using 300 tonnes of asphalt and road repairs are continuing.
Personal hardship financial assistance is also available for those affected by the recent rainfall and flooding in Ipswich with a range of commonwealth and state jointly funded assistance grants.
For information on Personal Hardship Assistance and Essential Services Hardship Assistance, contact the Community Recovery Hotline 1800 173 349 or visit www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies
Other grants such the Essential Household Contents Grant, Structural Assistance Grant and Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Grant, which are income tested, are also available to eligible residents who are uninsured and have experienced certain loss or damage following this disaster.
Community Recovery online portal at www.communityrecovery.qld.gov.au
Part of a sports club or organisation? The Sport and Recreation Disaster Recovery Program supports not-for-profit sport and recreation organisations with funding to re-establish facilities and activities after extreme natural events.
Funding of up to $20,000 may be available for eligible sport and active recreation organisations located in areas declared under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
For more information, visit www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/disaster-recovery
“While the clean-up is well underway, the financial burden to business and residents will continue for quite some time,” Mayor Harding said.
“There have been more than 10,000 people assisted throughout Ipswich with 5,300 emergency hardship grant applications made and more than $1.75 million paid so far.
“There have also been 78,823 insurance claims across Queensland with an estimated cost of $1.107 billion.”
The Ipswich Flood Recovery information webpage can be accessed at Ipswich.qld.gov.au/floodrecovery
Ipswich businesses impacted by floods can turn to council’s dedicated website, 2022 Flood Businesses Resources – Business Ipswich, that offers a range of details including financial support, waste services and volunteer information.
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Council has partnered with GIVIT to manage all offers of donated goods and services, including corporate offers of assistance, after disasters. To see what is needed or to donate, please visit GIVIT.org.au and look for the Storms and Flooding Appeal.
Members of the public can donate through www.givit.org.au/storms-and-flooding with 100 per cent of donated funds received by GIVIT going to affected communities.