Disaster relief and recovery
Find out more information about:
2012 Queensland Flooding
Heavy rainfall has caused serious flooding affecting areas of western Queensland.
Find out more about:
Get ready – are you prepared?
How prepared are you for extreme weather events? The Government’s new Get Ready campaign is designed to educate Queenslanders about what to expect in the event of storms, flooding and cyclones.
Find out how to keep yourself and your family safe
December 2010 - January 2011 Queensland floods and Cyclone Yasi
In December 2010 and January 2011 Queensland experienced extensive flooding, affecting 70% of the state. Then, in early February, Cyclone Yasi devastated many communities in North and Far North Queensland. Many Queensland families and businesses were affected, some people lost everything, and some lost their lives.
The response and recovery to these natural disasters included:
Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal
Over $281.6 million was raised by the Premier's Disaster Relief appeal, helping more than 40,000 people affected by flooding and Cyclone Yasi.
St. Vincent de Paul also received $23.45 million to distribute to those affected, providing funds to over 2,492 households.
Donations close 31 March 2012. Until then you can help by donating to the appeal.
The St Vincent de Paul Society will help distribute remaining funds, providing payments to people in need on a case-by-case basis.
Queensland Reconstruction Authority
The Queensland Reconstruction Authority was established to develop, implement and manage a state wide plan for rebuilding and reconnecting communities affected by the floods and cyclones.
The magnitude of the task is outlined in the Resources for Reconstructions (PDF, 1.83 MB) discussion paper.
Find out more about the work of the Reconstruction Authority and the scope of the flooding and damage:
Queensland disaster heroes
The response by every day people to the disasters affecting communities across the state was truly heroic.
During Queensland Week 2011 more than 3,500 people nominated by the community as having demonstrated community initiative, bravery, courage, resilience and strength during these natural disasters were recognised in ceremonies across the state.
Read more about the Disaster heroes
Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry
On Monday 17 January 2011, Queensland Premier Anna Bligh established an independent Commission of Inquiry to examine the unprecedented flood disaster that impacted 70 per cent of the state.
The Commission of Inquiry delivered the interim report on 1 August 2011, covering matters associated with flood preparedness to enable early recommendations to be implemented before next summer's wet season. The final report will be delivered on 16 March 2012.
Visit the Commission of Inquiry’s web site
General disaster recovery information
The following help and general information may be available for residents who are recovering from floods and Tropical Cyclone Yasi.
Personal hardship grants and support - Department of Communities
Residents suffering personal hardship as a result of natural disasters can contact the Department of Communities for assistance on 1800 173 349. The department provides recovery information, personal support, resources, specialist counselling, mental health services and community development services.
Australian Red Cross
Australian Red Cross assists communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from local disasters and emergencies such as flooding. With the help of Red Cross, you can also reconnect with family and friends through the National Registration and Inquiry System.
Australian Taxation Office - assistance to flood victims
Get in contact with the ATO to find out what tax assistance is available for people in affected areas.
Commonwealth Government disaster recovery assistance
Australian Government assistance and payments for people affected by natural disasters.
Support for residents with uninsured homes and/or contents
You may be eligible for Department of Communities assistance if your home and/or household contents are not insured and were damaged during severe storms or floods.
Building Services Authority
General advice on contractor licensing requirements, building contracts, building disputes, and a free online licence search to check building contractor credentials.
Legal Aid Queensland
If your property has been damaged by a storm, cyclone or flood, Legal Aid has created an online guide to help you get your insurance claim paid.
Department of Health
Health information for volunteers, council and emergency workers and home owners in flood affected areas. Includes fact sheets on health issues such as drinking water, food safety and coping in times of disaster.
Insurance Council of Australia
The Insurance Council of Australia's consumer guide provides tips and information about making insurance claims. Residents with insurance policies who were recently affected by the far north Queensland floods can also read advice about lodging flood insurance claims (PDF, 40 KB).
