Helping hands in the disaster-hit north

Offers of help from local companies are pouring in to assist neighbouring businesses in Cooroy, Pomona, Cooran, Noosaville and Tewantin, following flash floods last Tuesday and Friday.

Cooroy and surrounds received more than 300mm in just a few hours on Friday – that’s more than one foot of rain on the imperial scale.

Sunshine Coast Council’s Economic Development Branch officers are on the ground coordinating the offers as part of their meetings with affected local businesses - many of whom are facing substantial costs through damage to buildings and equipment.

Economic Development Portfolio Councillor, Lew Brennan, has spent the last few days helping out in these towns, which are all located in the Division he represents.

"Our first move last Wednesday after the storm hit Cooroy on Tuesday night was to check with business owners as to what assistance they needed, whether it be help with the clean-up, access to specialist advice or assistance in making an insurance claim," he said.

"Council’s Local Business Support Program is not just there for businesses which might be facing challenges generally – we also swing into gear to respond to unforeseen circumstances such as helping businesses recover from the weather events that have been experienced in the last week."

Cr Brennan said a number of Cooroy companies had come forward to pitch in.

"Laguna Signs has offered assistance with temporary signage, while building supplies company Ritek has offered its assistance for building owners with structural damage, even though the company itself suffered some damage.

Council’s Economic Development Manager, Craig Matheson, said his team had been on the ground since Sunday, visiting local businesses, relaying urgent requests for assistance back to the Disaster Coordination Centre and arranging access to specialist advice.

"The truly amazing thing is the resilience of the businesses and business owners who have been impacted by the severe weather events," Mr Matheson said.

"They got in, cleaned up and now many businesses have resumed trading in some way.

"Council’s local business support officers are there, however, I encourage any business owner to contact us if a problem emerges for them in the days and weeks ahead."

If any local businesses want to offer further assistance to their neighbours, call council’s Economic Development Branch on 5475 8776.

Support is available for individuals and families experiencing personal hardship. Contact the Department of Communities' Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.