In the wake of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, the Federal Member for Bowman, Henry Pike MP, and the state members for Redlands, Oodgeroo, Capalaba have called on the federal and state governments to act swiftly to support the Redlands in bouncing back and recovering from this natural disaster.
In a letter to the Federal Minister for Emergency Management and the State Minister for Disaster Recovery, Mr Pike, Rebecca Young MP, Amanda Stoker MP and Russell Field MP have urged the Queensland and Federal Governments to cooperate by declaring the Redlands eligible for the Disaster Recovery Payment and Disaster Recovery Allowance, and granting Category C support under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements 2018.
Mr Pike said these important measures will help the Redlands bounce back from this disaster, while also ensuring the region is prepared for future extreme weather events.
“Cyclone Alfred has affected all Redlanders, leaving thousands without power and phone service, and many facing widespread flooding at their homes and their businesses,” Mr Pike said.
“Around the city I’ve seen the Capalaba Bulldogs and Capalaba Warriors playing fields underwater. I’ve seen homeowners fighting to protect their property from storm surges, fallen trees and floodwaters. I’ve seen local business owners financially struggling due to prolonged power outages preventing them from getting on with their business.”
“Redlanders need urgent help to bounce back from these trying last few days.”
Mr Pike also highlighted the challenging situation on the bay islands.
In their joint appeal to the Ministers, Mr Pike and his colleagues noted that Tropical Cyclone Alfred has hit the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, North Stradbroke Island and Coochiemudlo Island particularly hard.
“This disaster has exposed the vulnerability of our island communities,” they wrote.
“These communities were the first to be disconnected through this disaster and will be without power for many days to come.”
“These communities are growing rapidly yet remain highly vulnerable to future crises.”
Mr Pike said it was essential that both state and federal governments respond swiftly to support a recovery effort “to ensure our islands emerge stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for the future.”
“The diverse Redlands community, from the islands to the mainland, need immediate help right now. We’re calling on governments to acknowledge what our community has been through and jump in with the support that families, homeowners, community organisations and businesses need right now.”
“Declaring the Redlands eligible for disaster payments is simply common sense.”