Council lends its support to flood affected communities
In addition to providing man-power, Sunshine Coast Council today resolved to donate funds towards the Queensland Floods Appeal 2013 to assist communities directly affected by floods in January.
In addition to providing man-power, Sunshine Coast Council today resolved to donate funds towards the Queensland Floods Appeal 2013 to assist communities directly affected by floods in January.
Sunshine Coast Mayor, Mark Jamieson said the Red Cross recently made statements that the charity was struggling to attract significant donations to meet the needs of affected communities.
“Up to $40,000 in council funding is available for a donation to the appeal by reallocating funds from contract services originally set aside for office accommodation relocations.
“Support has already been lent by Sunshine Coast Council in the disaster recovery efforts, following a request for assistance from North Burnett Regional Council, with a number of staff sent to the North Burnett region to support residents and assist with the clean-up.”
“While the media focus has been on Bundaberg and the huge disaster there, the smaller communities of Gayndah, Mundubbera, Eidsvold and Abercorn in the North Burnett region were all hit hard as well.
“Two staff assisted in the coordination of response and recovery operations in Gayndah and Pest and Vector staff also travelled to Mundubbera where they are undertaking spraying for black fly, mosquito and other pests in each of the region’s communities.
“This is the third year running in which council provided staff to help our neighbouring local governments.”
The Queensland Government in partnership with the Red Cross established the Queensland Floods Appeal 2013 to provide assistance to individual, families and communities directly affected by the floods, tornados and storm damage including affected residents within the Sunshine Coast region.
Mayor Jamieson said ex-tropical cyclone Oswald caused significant destruction along the Queensland coast with damaging winds, heavy rain, flooding, tidal surges and tornados.
“The receding flood waters have revealed the extent of the damage to thousands of homes, businesses, roads, bridges, other public infrastructure and services,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“Red Cross has stated that every cent raised through the 2013 appeal will be used to assist individuals, families and communities directly affected by this year’s floods.”
The distribution of all monies raised by the Queensland Floods Appeal 2013 will be overseen by the Independent Distribution Committee.