QLD flood rip off

[**snakes_alive**]

the floods in QLD particularly in Bundaberg were pretty horrific and those of us that were affected are trying to get back on track and put it behind us.
Both the state and federal govt are helping in the form of a one off payment for those affected.

Today i found out that people in neighbouring towns that were not even affected are applying for and being granted these payments and in some cases these payments are being processed faster than those who are in genuine need of the funds.

Now these people will be found out as they were in previous floods and they will be required to return the payment but in the meantime they are taking away from those in desperate need, let alone the cost to the govt to investigate and recoup this money.

disasters bring out the best in some people but definatly the worst in others.

[twinkles**stars]

Those in neighbouring towns may be eligable if they were unable to attend work, power was cut off etc. even though no water damage was caused?

[**snakes_alive**]

there are many that are just not eligible but who are lying about their circumstances

[twinkles**stars]

As happens following every disaster. Happened after our Black Saturday and ash Wednesday fires.

There are those who are honest and those who aren't.

[shepherdsrule]

Someone I know from Brisbane was staying in Gympie at the time of the flooding, they claimed and received $1,000.00 because they were cut off and could not get back home during the worst of it. No proof required. And to top it all - no job to get back to, 18 years old, had somewhere to stay the entire time, it is absolutely ridiculous. I agree, those that need it will most likely be waiting and going without. Surely you would have to have a reason or be able to substantiate a claim like that. Totally disgusted.

[id_pending]

We, as well as those around us are entitled to a one of payment to cover any loss and damage etc...
The only loss and real damage around here was from having no power for 5 days so most of us all lost pretty much everything in the fridge and freezer. We were not flooded....flooded in sure, but no actual flood damage to us or anyone near us. We had very minor storm damage to some fencing and naturally a lot of garden storm damage.
The OH couldn't get to work for 2 days but just used annual leave to cover those 2 days. (or was given the option to use sick days)
We are a very low income household. (1 income + a partial disability payment)

We turned down the payment offered with the logic that the money could go to someone really in need...someone in Bundy or Logan etc that have lost a home or its contents etc. Someone with children. With pets. Someone reallllly in need.

We were very surprised at some of our neighbours and 'friends' who took advantage of the payment. 
One neighbour we know didnt lose anything as they were running a generator to keep the fridge going (and were kind enough to let us charge our phones and tab) however is proud of the fact that they could claim the payment, which they did.
Sure, they rightfully and legally can but I dunno...just doesn't feel right if you know what I mean.

We lost a little food...sucks...but it wasn't much anyway. We used what we could, gave what we could away and took the moment to give the fridge and freezer a good clean out. Couldnt tell you how long some of that stuff at the back of the freezer had been sitting there!
Had we felt the need to get some money back for our loss, I would have preferred to use the house and contents insurance but we decided it wasn't even worth that.

I hope that everyone that rightfully and desperately needs assistance gets it as quickly as possible. It's a tragedy enough than to have to drag it out.
I hope those that are rorting the system are punished heavily. 

[shepherdsrule]

id - nice to know some think of others. I was actually feeling ashamed for my friend when she was telling me quite proudly what her son did with regard the claim. If it had been one of my kid's I would have been horrified, and never spoken of it to anyone.

[happyroo_bunji]

Unfortunately it happend after the Black Saturday fires.  Quite a few people who didn't qualify for payments/handouts etc took lied and cried "woe is me" in the media.

Its not fair

[cezm]

When I first started recovery work people used to move from one recovery centre to another claiming the payments. These days it is computerised so cross checking can happen. If details are not put on a database immediately because, e.g. there is no power, then they are added at a later date.

Because the majority of those that claim do require the funds immediately it is important to get funds out to them asap - checks can be done later and those that were ineligible will be followed up. The system is not foolproof but I think more people are held to account ... and I think you can always report someone if you are sure they are not eligible (rather than eligible, but apparently not requiring the assistance).

Unfortunately there will always be those that try to get something for nothing 😞