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THE FULL extent of the damage caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie is being laid bare, as the last of the flood waters recede and community services kick into recovery mode.
Organisations and government officials have released statements today asking local businesses to dig deep and support recovery efforts, following what has been dubbed the worst natural disaster to hit Australia since ex-TC Oswald in 2014.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk congratulates businesses who have already made donations to charities including the Australian Red Cross, The Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul, and encourages others to follow suit in expediting the clean-up process.
"Last week, I announced the government would make a $1 million donation to assist four charities to deliver urgent services and support communities devastated by Debbie and the flooding that followed," says Palaszczuk.
"I urge companies to also contribute to these charities and support the work they are doing on the ground."
The Premier says the quickest way to inject relief into battered communities is to donate directly to charity, rather than wait for a separate appeal.
"Rather than establish a separate appeal, our experience from TC Marcia was that the quickest way to get funding to the people hit hardest and in greatest need was to encourage donations directly to the charities," she says.
Coles announced it would contribute $100,000 to the Red Cross, and a further $150,000 to grants for affected farmers.
BHP Biliton also confirmed a $250,000 commitment to The Salvation Army to help deliver services to regional Queensland towns including Mackay and Moranbah.
Closer to the capital, the Logan City Council has put together a safety regime for those returning to work and organised an online form for affected businesses seeking relief.
For business operators in Queensland seeking advice about how to get their workplace operational, the Council recommends contact the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.
Mayor of the Scenic Rim Council Greg Christensen says residents of Tamborine, Rathdowney, Kooralbyn, Beaudesert, Canungra and Fassifern Valley may be eligible for support and financial assistance to help with essentials during the recovery period.
He encourages residents of the Scenic rim to support each other through this tough period.
"We are far from being out of the woods," says Christensen.
"Please be assured we are working as quickly as possible in support of our residents in greatest need.
"Scenic Rim is a close-knit community and I would urge people to make the time to check-in on neighbours, friends and family to ensure they're OK."
Business News Australia
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