Other support and assistance
Advice and information is available to assist recovery as follows:
The Premier of Queensland's disaster recovery site
A range of useful information, news and updates on current and potential disasters is available through The Premier of Queensland's disaster recovery site.
Updates
- Storm updates, clean-up status and SES assistance
- Traffic information and road closures
- Power outages
Building and repair
- The Rebuilding Recovery Centre
Contractors can register on this site; fact sheets and publications about rebuilding are also available. - Building Services Authority (BSA)
General advice on contractor licensing requirements, building contracts, building disputes, and a free Online Licence Search to check out the credentials of potential contractors.
Health and safety
For advice on staying safe during the clean up, contact Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, a division of the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations, on 1300 369 915.
Queensland Health now has a phone line 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) to help take the worry out of health concerns. You can phone 24 hours a day 7 days a week to speak to qualified staff who will give you confidential and supportive advice on who to talk to and how quickly you should do it.
Mosquito-borne diseases such as Ross River fever, Dengue fever and Barmah Forest virus are transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. For more information visit the Queensland Health Mosquito-borne Diseases.
Tenancy
For information and advice on tenancy issues, contact the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA). The RTA has also published a useful natural disaster fact sheet for tenants.
Insurance
The Insurance Council of Australia advises policyholders impacted by recent flood waters to make contact with their insurance companies, so claims can be assessed as soon as possible.
When residents are able to return to their properties and make their own initial assessment, if damage has been suffered they should immediately contact their insurer to lodge a claim and clear up any insurance queries they may have.
The Insurance Council encourages policyholders to:
- Make contact with your insurance company and seek advice about the claim process under your policy.
- Contact your insurer before authorising major repairs.
- Not be concerned if insurance documents have been lost or damaged due to the flood. Insurance companies keep records electronically and only require the policyholders' name and address in order to locate a policy.
- Consider removal of water and mud damaged possessions. Carpets and soft furnishings can be removed from the building as part of the clean up. But if possible take photos before removing your possessions so they can be inspected by your insurer.
- Make an inventory of the possessions that have been damaged as a result of the flood as this may assist in the claim process.
It is important to note that insurance policies vary. The Insurance Council advises policyholders to check with their insurer to see whether the following options are available:
- The cost of removing insured debris from your home and surrounding property. (Check before arranging collection). Local councils may assist with the removal.
- Temporary accommodation costs. (Conditions may apply - seek clarification prior to booking and paying for temporary accommodation).
For more insurance information and advice contact the Insurance Council of Australia on 1300 728 228. For dispute resolution you can also contact the Insurance Ombudsman Service.
Volunteering
Since its inception in 1982, Volunteering Queensland has grown to become the State's peak body for volunteering. It represents the interests of volunteers and community organisations who utilise the services of volunteers. Volunteering Queensland is funded by government grants, community projects and services. To find out more about volunteering visit the Volunteering Queensland website.