Drought Support - SDRC Update

As many of you are acutely aware, the current drought is having a devastating impact on our region and community. Historically, our community has battled on and come out the other side. However, this natural disaster has not let up and is testing the resilience of our community; and at times, their ability to cope with the most simple things.

Over the past few weeks/months, Council has seen a steady increase in enquiries from the community around accessing the more basic essential of life - water. When coupled with financial stress, the purchase of this essential item can be problematic for many of our local community.

To help spread the word that there is hope out there, should you become aware of a family who may be having difficulty with the expense of purchasing water, the Queensland Country Woman’s Association (QCWA) Public Rural Crisis Fund may be able to offset some of the stress on these families through the lodgement of the attached application.  Instructions on submitting the application are clearly stated on the bottom of the form.

 The most important part in completing this form is to:

1. Describe how the drought has impacted on the applicants circumstances;
2. Include a quote (price) from the local water carter, which includes their BSB and account number; and
3. Provide a copy of a driver’s licence, front and back. 

In addition to the above, Council’s Community Development Officer (Drought Coordination) is also a resource that may be of assistance to you with some of the issues that you may see in some families of students attending your school.

In addition to water, there are other resources available to the community that may be of benefit. These areas include:

1. Adult Mental Health First Aid Training

Late last year Council made application for a grant under Tackling Regional Adversity through Integrated Care (TRAIC) Grants Program. The application sought to develop the professional capabilities of the Council around Mental Health and ultimately, roll the program out into the broader community.

The purpose of the TRAIC grant program is to enable Queensland communities affected by adversity associated with drought, disaster and other crisis to build community resilience. Community resilience is the sustained ability of a community to withstand and recover from adversity.

 Earlier this year, Council was informed of its success under this program, and two (2) officers attended training to become Standard Mental Health First Aid (SMHA) instructors, which allows Council to now roll out accredited SMHA training.

Approximately 20% of Australian adults experience a common mental illness each year. Research has found that completing an MHFA Course will help develop the skills in individuals that can support friends, family, co-workers and the community.

Having mental health first aid skills means that those trained can assist someone developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis and make a real difference to the person, and ultimately the broader community.

The 12-hour Standard Mental Health First Aid course teaches adults (18 years and over) how to provide initial support to adults who are developing a mental illness or experiencing a mental health crisis.

This course can be delivered by Council to anyone who you think may benefit at no cost.

2. Drought Resilience Sub-plan

In 2018 Council developed the drought resilience sub-plan, which sits under the Local Disaster Management Plan (which is prepared under the provisions Disaster Management Act 2003).

The purpose of the drought resilience sub-plan is to develop a resource and provide support for the local community impacted during and after a drought disaster.

This Drought Resilience Sub-Plan is a living document aimed to increase community resilience during times of drought. The plan is a framework which will assist in minimizing impacts when drought conditions are creating financial, emotional and environmental challenges to the well-being of the local community.

 A copy of this plan can be accessed via Council’s website, more specifically, https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/council/disaster-management/disaster-management-sub-plans

3. Council Assistance Information

The Southern Downs was drought declared in May 2018 following extremely dry conditions and little to no rainfall for many months.

While we can’t make it rain, there are other ways our farmers/community can be supported through this incredibly tough time.

There are a number of government and community drought-assistance and financial support programs available to farmers who are adversely affected by drought.

 https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/council/drought-assistance-information

4. Council Water Updates

Council provides weekly updates on the status of the water issue facing our region. To access the weekly updates, again head to the Council website, more specifically,

 https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/living-here/water-wastewater/water-update

5. Government concessions and rebates

Find and apply for concessions and rebates that can help ease the cost of living pressures (for Queenslanders).  The website includes information on a variety of rebates and concessions including the Drought Relief from Electricity Charges Scheme (DRECS), water fee relief and land rent rebates. The website also includes information on transport related drought assistance measures. There is a lot of information here and worth exploring for eligibility.

https://campaigns.premiers.qld.gov.au/smart-savings/#

6. FairPlay vouchers

Parents, carers or guardians can apply for a voucher valued up to $150 for their child, which can be used towards membership, registration or participation fees with registered activity providers.  Current round opened 31st July.

https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/fairplay/apply