Flood Recovery Advice

While much has been achieved in cleaning up across the Bundaberg Region in the wake of the floods and tornadoes, it is widely recognised that there is still plenty to do.

Just as there are residents within the region still in need of assistance, there are also plenty of able bodied residents wanting to volunteer their time and energies to the cleanup and to help those in need.

The Human Social Recovery Sub-Group is made up of a number of government and non-government agencies who have been tasked with facilitating support services to the local Bundaberg Region Community including social, emotional, psychological, financial and housing support.

Current newsletter is attached below 

Ratepayers across the Bundaberg Region will be provided with an extended period of time in which to finalise their rate payments within the discount period.

At this week's meeting of Council, Mayor, Cr. Mal Forman said ongoing issues relative to the recent tornadoes and floods would impact on many residents ability to meet their rates commitment.

Rates were scheduled to be issued on Monday, February 11 but Council resolved to delay the issue by two weeks.

The focus of Bundaberg Regional Council is now firmly set on driving processes to ensure flood affected residents can obtain the services they need in the shortest timeframe possible.

Council’s Planning & Development portfolio spokesperson, Cr. Ross Sommerfeld said a single point of contact has now been established to assist flood affected residents answer building and development questions as they restore or replace flooded or damaged homes/premises.

Telstra has announced an assistance package for its residential and small business customers in the Shire of Banana and the Regions of Bundaberg, Gympie, Fraser Coast and Gladstone who have lost services as a direct result of the current severe weather and floods.

Telstra Country Wide Area General Manager Kris Carver said there had been a number of services impacted by the severe weather and flooding, with Telstra crews working in difficult conditions in order to continue to restore services.

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.

As the process of recovery continues around the region, Bundaberg Regional Council has reminded residents of the necessity for safe handling of asbestos material and chemicals.

Residents and business owners removing asbestos material are advised to contact the Queensland Government Referral centre on 137468 for advice. Council should be contacted for advice on collection.

To register as an emergency volunteer and assist with the clean up effort, please log on to www.emergencyvolunteering.com.au or phone 1800 994 100.

• Residents, business and property owners located within the exclusion zone at North Bundaberg will be able to access their properties from 6am tomorrow (Saturday).
The conditions of entry will be:
- You MUST be a resident of the Exclusion Zone
- Must have a form of identification (e.g. Driver’s License or Rates notice)
- It is preferable that you walk, however a car is ok
- Do not use toilets or other bathroom facilities

If you've been affected by the flooding in Queensland, the following provides a step-by-step guide to support services to help you recover.

Urban Search and Rescue teams are undertaking property inspections across the Bundaberg area.

Current information is that the exclusion zone area at North Bundaberg should be fully inspected today. About 90% of homes in South Bundaberg will also be fully inspected today. However, residents are advised that this does not mean an automatic return to their homes. General announcements will be made when it is safe for residents to return to their properties.

Bundaberg Regional Council advises that emergency services, rescue teams and support services have been working around the clock in response to the natural disaster events this week.

A briefing by Disaster Management, State and Federal Government representatives, insurance providers and industry organisations regarding the damage that has occurred, and has provided Council with guidance on the task ahead. 

Bundaberg has experienced a significant flood close to the 0.5% Annual Exceedance Probability (200yr) flood event on the Burnett River and is the largest flood in recorded history peaking at 9.53m at the Bundaberg Gauge on the 29th January 2013 at 3pm. To assist the broader community, the below map has been produced to represent the estimated inundation area.

As Bundaberg customers will be aware, the level of flooding in the city and surrounding areas is unprecedented and follows significant damage caused by destructive winds ahead of the flooding that is yet to be repaired. This has resulted in more than 8,000 customers having their power supply interrupted at the time of the flood peak.

Location: Wide Bay Institute of TAFE, Theatre  Entrance via Faldt Street 

Opening Hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm

For further information please contact 1800 173 349

Please hang on to any stray animals if you can and contact Council's Call Centre on 1300 883 699 with the details of the animal.