Published 18 November 2022

Flood Crisis Continues to have Impacts on Communities and the Aquatic Industry

Royal Life Saving is concerned by the ongoing flood crisis which continues to have devastating impacts on lives, families, communities, property and our colleagues in the aquatic industry.

FLOODING REMAINS A SIGNIFICANT CAUSE OF DROWNING IN AUSTRALIA

It is vital that all community members follow safety advice from emergency services including avoiding driving through or entering floodwaters.

ABC as the National Emergency Broadcaster will have the most up-to-date information direct from your State Emergency Service and Bureau of Meteorology. If a flood is likely tune into your local ABC radio station and listen for advice and warnings.

INDUSTRY IMPACTS

To our colleagues in the aquatic industry, we are deeply concerned for all affected given the unprecedented scale of the floods.

The scale of impact is difficult to quantify as it varies community by community, but some communities (and aquatic facilities ) have been deeply impacted either in the current flood or throughout the heavy rains of the last couple of years.

Royal Life Saving understands around:

• 125 local government areas are affected across New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria
• 384 aquatic facilities currently located in designated disaster zones, some of which are already under water, or have been under water recently
• 12,000 potentially affected aquatic industry workers

Aquamoves Shepparton, photos’ source: Shepparton City Council

Photo source: Wingecarribee Council

Gympie Pool, photo source: ABC (with thanks to photographer Bambi Martini)

Rochester Pool, photo source: Sheppnews.com.au

Dayboro Pool, photo source: Moreton Bay City Council

For an industry still reeling from two years of pool closures, working hard to catch children up on swimming and water safety, already dealing with resource and infrastructure challenges, Royal Life Saving  is deeply concerned.

FLOOD RECOVERY SUPPORT

The following information may be of assistance to those looking for further support.

All States & Territories

1. Disaster Assist

   The Australian Government Department of Home Affairs Disaster Assist website provides information on getting help, how to get help, disaster arrangements and key contact for each state.

2. The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP)

   The AGDRP is a lump sum payment to help you if you’ve been significantly affected by the current and ongoing floods from 14 September 2022 through to November 2022.

   You are eligible if you’re in a Local Government Area (LGA) that’s been declared for a disaster.

   The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment is not for minor damage or inconvenience. Its purpose is to help with major damage to your property or other assets. You can choose to get this payment in 2 parts.

   If you lost income as a direct result of the recent flooding, you may also be eligible for Disaster Recovery Allowance. If you’re eligible, you can get both the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment and Disaster Recovery Allowance.

3. Helping Children Navigate Flood Disaster

Support on how to help children navigate flood disaster can be found here at the Emerging Minds resource library in their flood-related resources.

New South Wales

1. NSW Disaster Assistance Finder provides resources for disaster assistance
2. NSW Storm and flood recovery guide provides storm and flood recovery information with links to:
   • financial support, payments and grant (individuals, households, primary producers, etc.)
   • Traffic, road closures and public transport
   • Health and wellbeing
   • Find somewhere to stay
   • Pet and animal welfare
   • Identity documents, licences and permits
   • Phone and internet access
   • Insurance claims and legal advice
   • Clearing your property
3. Grants and payment for people affected by floods provides guidance on the range of grants and payments available to people affected by severe weather and flooding in NSW.

Queensland

1. The Queensland Government Disasters website provides information about financial assistance available to affected residence. Eligibility for state grants and how to apply can be found here.
2. The Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority has funds available to assist directly impacted small businesses, primary producers and not-profits with the cost of clean-up and reinstatement.
3. Tenants Queensland provides community assistance services and information to flood affected tenants.

South Australia

1. The Australian Government and the National Indigenous Australian Agency provides a Disaster Recovery Assistance Summary (SA) with information on eligibility and how to apply.
2. The Department of Treasury and Finance’s Disaster Recovery Assistance provides key links to local and state government assistance.

Tasmania

1. Financial support for Tasmanians affected by the October 2022 flooding can be found online at Australian Government Services Australia. There is additional support in the form of payments and allowances available for eligible New Zealanders adversely affected.

2. Tasmanian Government Department of Premier and Cabinet outlines Tasmanian Natural Disaster Relief to Local Government including guidelines on eligibility.

3. Tas State Emergency Service provide messaging and support for flood recovery.

Victoria

1. 2022 Victorian Flood Recovery provides recovery support information for people and communities in Victoria affected by the recent floods with key links to:
   • Financial payments, grants and assistance
   • Business support
   • Community Information and Recovery Centres
   • Temporary accommodation
   • Returning home after a flood
   • Register for a structural assessment
   • Clean-up program
   • Relief update for the Rochester community
   • Flood recovery hotline
2. Small Business Immediate Flood Relief Program provides emergency support grants for businesses directly affected by flood events that commenced in October 2022.

This information is correct as at 18 November 2022. As more information comes to hand regarding support for aquatic facilities, we will continue to update the industry.

If we can be of any assistance with safety messaging, or anything else you may need, please contact Royal Life Saving’s National Manager – Aquatics at rjhouston@rlssa.org.au