Chair of the Human Social Recovery Group Cr Ron Petterson said six outreach teams were today visiting Bowen, Cannonvale, Proserpine and Collinsville to address community concerns with existing applications and also to provide information and referral to address ongoing needs.

“Yesterday Whitsunday Outreach staff followed up and completed a full day of assessments for people in Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, Preston, Conway, Bowen, Mandalay, Brandy Creek, as well some at Midge Point and Bloomsbury,” he said

“The number of active applications for outreach follow up is reducing which is good news.

“It means that the outreach teams are staying ahead of demand but there is more work to do as outreach assessments are just part of the journey,” Cr Petterson said.

“It is important that internal processes are being monitored to make sure applications are completed as quickly as possible.

“Whitsunday residents are also benefiting from other value-adding supports that are available, particularly through Red Cross, Salvation Army and Lifeline.

“The Human Social Recovery Group are also planning long-term strategies that will need to be put in place to best support Whitsunday Region community as we move forward from Ex-TC Debbie.”

Cr Petterson said that outreach staff are heading to the Disaster Recovery Community event at Bowen tomorrow to be available to answer queries face to face and ensure people are aware support is still available.