After a Disaster

Disasters can have lasting emotional and psychological impacts, even after physical damage has been addressed. Feeling stressed, overwhelmed or anxious after an event is common.

Community resilience is strengthened when people check on neighbours, family members and friends, particularly older residents, people with disability or those who may need extra support. The Somerset Local Disaster Management Plan recognises the vital role of community‑led support in recovery.

If you or someone you know is struggling, professional and community support services may be available during recovery phases.

Cleaning up after a disaster can be physically demanding and potentially hazardous. Council coordinates waste and clean‑up arrangements following disaster events and will provide specific guidance on accepted materials, disposal locations and collection services.

Residents should:

• Wear protective clothing and equipment during clean‑up
• Avoid contact with contaminated items or water
• Separate damaged household items, green waste and hazardous materials as directed
• Follow Council instructions for kerbside collection or transfer station use

Avoid unsafe clean‑up activities and seek assistance if conditions are dangerous or overwhelming.

Following some disaster events, recovery assistance may be activated by the Queensland or Australian Government. This may include:

• Personal hardship assistance
• Financial relief and grants
• Temporary accommodation support
• Community recovery services

Information about available assistance, eligibility criteria and how to apply will be published by Somerset Regional Council and relevant state agencies when applicable.

Residents are encouraged to monitor official channels for up‑to‑date recovery information.

The generosity of the community is a powerful part of recovery. To ensure help is effective and safe, volunteering should be coordinated through approved organisations such as Volunteering Queensland or other recognised groups.

Donations should only be made through endorsed channels such as GIVIT. This ensures items and financial support meet real needs, arrive where they are required most and do not create additional challenges for recovery teams.

Uncoordinated donations or self‑deployment can hinder recovery efforts and place people at risk.

Disasters can significantly disrupt local businesses through property damage, loss of stock, staff displacement, power and communication outages and reduced customer access.

Somerset Regional Council supports business recovery by working with Queensland Government agencies, industry groups and recovery partners to share information and connect businesses with available assistance. This may include financial relief, recovery grants, advisory services and access to business recovery officers.

Business owners are encouraged to:

• Document damage and losses as soon as it is safe
• Contact their insurer and financial institutions early
• Monitor official recovery updates for information on assistance programs
• Review and update their business continuity and disaster management plans

A strong business sector is essential to community recovery, employment and regional resilience.

Download the Somerset Business Disaster Management Plan On A Page(PDF, 501KB)

Recovery is not only about rebuilding homes and infrastructure — it is also about supporting personal and community wellbeing.

Experiencing a disaster can affect mental health, emotional wellbeing and relationships. People may feel stress, grief, anxiety, exhaustion or uncertainty, sometimes weeks or months after the event.

Somerset Regional Council recognises the importance of mental health and wellbeing in recovery and works with health services, community organisations and government agencies to promote access to support.

Residents are encouraged to:

• Take recovery at their own pace
• Stay connected with family, friends and community
• Seek professional support if distress continues or worsens
• Check in on others who may be struggling

Looking after mental wellbeing is a vital part of long‑term recovery and community resilience.

If feelings of distress continue for an extended period contact your doctor of the Medicare Mental Health Service on 1800 595 212.

Recovery does not end when immediate clean‑up is complete. It can take months or longer for individuals, families, businesses and communities to fully recover.

Somerset Regional Council works closely with Queensland Government agencies, community organisations, businesses and residents to support recovery across:

• Human and social wellbeing
• Local businesses and the economy
• Environmental restoration
• Infrastructure and essential services

Recovery is also about learning from events and building long‑term resilience so the community is better prepared for future disasters.