Councillor Column COUNCILLOR MARK SPINA

Hello Hinchinbrook Residents,

The recovery efforts post flood and advocacy to improve the recovery efforts have been ongoing with some recent announcements which have been most welcoming. The opening of the Hinchinbrook Information and Referral Centre, which was formerly the Community Recovery Hub at the TAFE building, has been operating for several weeks now at 73-81 Lannercost Street. Approved funding from the State Government has allowed the continued operation of this service in delivery of assistance with community recovery, including grant applications, mental health support, Lifeline and community housing.

Most recently we have received the very welcome news of the Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grant, Ingham and Surrounding Areas Uninsured Perishable Stock Losses. This Commonwealth and State funded program is providing financial support to small and family businesses in Ingham and surrounding areas that were impacted by power outages of five consecutive days or more resulting from the de-energising of the Ingham substation caused by the North and Far North Tropical Low from 29 January to 28 February 2025 event. This grant is available to small businesses that lost perishable stock due to the event but were not insured for these losses and are facing exceptional circumstances or hardship. A lot of lobbying and advocacy has resulted in achieving the expanded grant parameters to assist such small businesses that suffered the above losses.

To check the Eligibility Criteria or for further information, please visit Business Queensland’s website www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/support-services/financial/grants/ingham-stock-losses

If you require assistance, please pop into the Hinchinbrook Information and Referral Centre.

Until next time, Hinchinbrook residents.

Take care, stay safe and be kind.