Financial assistance for those severely impacted by flooding

Council will provide financial assistance to those ratepayers who have been severely impacted by the Tropical Cyclone Jasper flooding event.

At yesterday’s Ordinary Meeting, Council resolved to:

Extend the existing ‘Financial Hardship Policy – Rates and Water Usage’ provisions to those severely impacted by the Cyclone Jasper Flooding Event; andExtend the financial assistance provisions of the ‘Concealed Water Leak Policy’ to those severely impacted by the Cyclone Jasper Flooding Event, including commercial properties.

Mayor Terry James said the measure would provide some assistance to those most impacted by the unprecedented weather event.

“Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the major flooding event that followed, will go down in the Far North Queensland history books. The events of the weekend have caused devastation and damage on an enormous scale,” Cr James said.

“Extending the existing ‘Financial Hardship Policy – Rates and Water Usage’ and the Concealed Water Leak Policy’ to those severely impacted, will provide some further reprieve.”

Under the Financial Hardship Policy, ratepayers can request extended interest free repayment arrangements for their outstanding and upcoming rates notices.

Ratepayers should visit the Council website to submit requests. Officers will contact those ratepayers in the New Year to discuss their individual circumstances.

Under the financial assistance provisions of the ‘Concealed Water Leak Policy’, Council will ensure that impacted ratepayers are not charged for any excess water usage.

“We understand that excess water will be required for cleanup purposes and there may be property damage resulting in water leaks,” Cr James said. “Future water usage notice issues will be normalised to historical averages only – impacted ratepayers do not need to contact Council to organise this. “

Additionally, support for extraordinary circumstances will be considered on a case by case basis.

Residents can also review other assistance on offer and recovery information on the Cairns Disaster Dashboard.

Community Recovery Hubs are now open

Community Recovery Hubs are a place where residents who are experiencing hardship can apply for grants and obtain emotional and well-being support.

Machans Beach State School

61 Machan Street, Machans Beach

Open Friday 22 December to Sunday 24 December, 9am to 4pm

Trinity Bay Sports Hall (Trinity Bay State High School)

Eureka Street, Manunda

Open from Friday 22 December, 9am to 4pm dailyClosed Christmas Day 25 December and Boxing Day 26 December

Holloways Beach Sporting Complex

84-100 Wistaria Street, Cairns

Open:

1pm to 4pm Saturday 23 December9am to 4pm Sunday 24 DecemberClosed Christmas Day and Boxing DayRe-open from Wednesday 27 December 9am to 4pm daily.