VANESSA HALL  
EDITOR 

IT WAS swift and intense, and at around 3.30 pm on Monday, November 24, a destructive storm system lashed the local region with widespread damage along the Sunshine Coast, with parts of Coolum, Mt Coolum and Peregian sustaining significant damage from fallen trees and power outages.

Many residents in the above areas were left without electricity for four full days and nights – a situation made even more uncomfortable given the high temperatures and humidity.

Gusts up to 150kmph were recorded, which resulted in many trees bringing down powerlines, and images of huge trees uprooted were seen across the region, which only exemplified the ferocity of the system.

Emergency services personnel from the SES, Queensland Fire Department, and Sunshine Coast Council parks and gardens staff worked around the clock to clear debris, as did Energex workers to restore power and clear fallen powerlines.

For many residents, a long clean-up is now ensuing, as are financial pressures from losing perishable food items, and to soften these blows, both the State and Federal Government and Sunshine Coast Council have announced help and financial assistance.

Member for Maroochydore, Fiona Simpson, said that Personal Hardship Assistance would be available for Sunshine Coast residents.

“I was pleased to announce that the State and Federal Government have released funding after last week’s major weather, which affected so many communities on the Sunshine Coast,” Maroochydore MP Fiona Simpson said.  

“The disaster assistance is for those who have been impacted the most, and the storm was widespread, with some areas without power for four days for more.  The list of suburbs that have been released (below) is on the basis of the application that the Sunshine Coast Council put into the State Government on Friday afternoon.”

Ms Simpson also stressed that it was important for residents to remain vigilant with the summer storm season only just starting.

“As we enter storm season, it’s vital that all Sunshine Coast residents have a plan in place for severe weather events. I encourage everyone to take the time now to prepare their properties by checking and clearing gutters, trimming overhanging branches, securing loose items and ensuring your emergency kits are ready.”

Member for Ninderry, Dan Purdie, also urged caution.

“The recent storms in Coolum were a stark reminder of just how quickly severe weather can develop and how critical it is to be prepared. My message to residents is clear: stay informed, stay prepared, and stay safe.

“Keep a close eye on official weather updates, ensure your household has a well-rehearsed emergency plan, and secure any outdoor items that could become dangerous in high winds. These practical steps, combined with the strong sense of community that defines the region, are essential to keeping people safe when conditions change without warning.”

Mr Purdie also praised locals and the emergency workers.

“I want to extend my sincere thanks to all those who stepped up during and after the storm event.

“Energex crews worked around the clock under extremely challenging conditions to restore power and keep communities connected. Our SES volunteers once again demonstrated tremendous dedication and professionalism in responding to calls for help.

“I also want to acknowledge the many locals who supported one another, checking in on neighbours, clearing debris, and offering assistance wherever it was needed,” Ninderry MP Dan Purdie.  

How to access assistance
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said anyone affected who thinks they may qualify for support should apply now.

“These grants are crucial to get those impacted over the hump, so I urge residents in these activated areas to visit www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp and check their eligibility,” Minister Leahy said.

“Our Community Recovery Hotline is also available 24/7 on 1800 173 349, with government staff ready to talk you through the grants available and the application process.”

Assistance available 
Sunshine Coast Council have made green waste (trees, branches, etc.) free to dispose of at all of their refuse locations until 5 pm on Friday, December 5.

Personal Hardship Assistance available to eligible SEQ residents:  
Emergency Hardship Assistance – $180 per person, up to $900 for a family of five or more to purchase immediate essentials like food, clothing and medicine.
Essential Services Hardship Assistance – $150 per person, up to $750 for a family of five or more, to assist with immediate needs following the loss of essential services at home for more than five consecutive days.
Essential Household Contents Grants – income-tested assistance for uninsured residents, up to $1,765 for individuals and up to $5,300 for couples or families to replace destroyed essential household contents such as bed linen and whitegoods.
Structural Assistance Grants – up to $80,000 for uninsured, income-tested owner-occupiers towards the repair or replacement of a disaster-damaged dwelling to return it to a safe and habitable condition.

Applications and more information can be found at - www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp or by calling the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

Activated suburbs on the Sunshine Coast are: Bald Knob, Belli Park, Beerwah, Caloundra, Caloundra West, Cambroon, Chevallum, Conondale, Coolum Beach, Doonan, Glasshouse, Kenilworth, Maleny, Marcoola, Maroochy River, Montville, Mount Coolum, Mudjimba, Ninderry, Pacific Paradise, Palmwoods, Peachester, Peregian, Peregian Springs, Reesville, Twin Waters, Warana, and Yaroomba.