QTU stands with members during summer of natural disasters
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 129 No 2, 28 March 2024, page 22.
The QTU maintains a Natural Disaster Relief Fund, which is one of the reserves topped up as part of the QTU annual budget process.
The fund was established to provide immediate assistance to members who have suffered losses as a result of natural disasters such as cyclones, bushfires and floods.
Members who are financial at the time of a declared natural disaster can make a claim up to $1,000 for emergency relief when their principal place of residence is directly impacted.
The fund, which does not cover property or losses outside the principal place of residence, is designed to assist members in the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster, before other assistance such as government disaster relief payments and insurance assessments becomes available.
The summer of 2023/24 has been particularly challenging, with a higher-than-average number of natural disasters impacting on Queensland, including Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the associated flooding in Far North Queensland in early December, and Tropical Cyclone Kirrily in North Queensland in January.
Members were also impacted by other severe weather events that were declared natural disasters, including the severe storms and a mini tornado that impacted parts of the Scenic Rim, Logan and Gold Coast areas.
During the past three months, 199 QTU members have had claims from the fund approved, to the value of $136,000. The fund has assisted a significant number of members who faced damage to their property, and in some cases, total destruction of their homes.
As a Union with more than 48,000 members across Queensland, the QTU Natural Disaster Relief Fund is a practical way in which members support each other collectively when faced with losses associated with natural disasters.
"We were without power for four days causing loss of food and severe mould to furniture, which had to be disposed of. The Natural Disaster Relief Fund allowed me to replace items for my children." Kaileh, Yorkey's Knob
"My home was directly impacted by flood water from the Barron River. My children and I had to evacuate for several days, and when we returned many personal items and food had been spoiled. I accessed the QTU Natural Disaster Relief Fund and with the money was able to buy food and necessary items for my sons and myself." Jen, Lake Placid
"Unfortunately, we lost my car and boat (I know everyone asks how you lose a boat in a flood – it was in the garage and became concertinaed between the water and roof). Accessing the QTU Natural Disaster Relief Fund, was straight forward and we were surprised by how quickly we received a payment. We were able to use the funds for alternate accommodation as we were also without power, hot water and communication systems for a few weeks up until Christmas." Leanne, Yorkey's Knob
"The disaster relief payment was so easy to apply for and was deposited shortly after. Thank you QTU for helping my family after the stress and damage caused by Cyclone Jasper." Caitlynn, Hope Vale
"The Union was so helpful during the December floods. The natural disaster support was approved almost immediately, and we could start organising repairs straight away." Meree, Freshwater