The package was launched under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements in Queensland to assist communities to confront the challenges associated with long-term recovery.

The package includes:

• $20 million for community development and recovery funds on the ground to provide intensive support to the State’s most highly impacted local communities, including supporting not-for-profit community groups, events and memorials.
• Up to $10 million for a Mental Health Disaster Recovery Package to support mental health services in disaster-affected communities in Queensland on top of $1.2 million in funding announced earlier this year. Local organisations on the ground within the mental health sector will receive much needed funding to bolster their excellent work within severely affected communities.
• Up to $5.8 million Financial Counselling to provide support to families and individuals affected by the disasters who are experiencing financial problems.
• A $2 million Disabilities Care Plan to help a number of non-government organisations across Queensland to deliver crisis accommodation and respite care for people with a disability.

The Prime Minister said the Community Recovery Package announcement was the next step in supporting Queensland following the recovery and the start of reconstruction efforts.

Premier Bligh said that the mental health measures were important in the lead up to the Easter period.

Further details of the services that will be funded under the Community Recovery and Wellbeing Package will be announced with the Queensland Government over the coming days.