Date: March 2, 2015
The National Retail Association (NRA) is welcoming the opportunity to work closely with the State Government to ensure Queensland households that went without power for a week in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Marcia will have access to extra food vouchers.
NRA CEO Trevor Evans said the extra assistance will be a welcome boost for thousands of residents in the Rockhampton, Livingstone, North Burnett, Banana and Gladstone areas (west of the Bruce Highway), who are now trying to come to terms with the cyclone’s aftermath.
While the bulk have finally been reconnected, as many as 5000 remain without electricity.
“The State Government has wasted no time in assessing what needs to be done, and we commend Assistant Premier Jackie Trad and Communities Minister Shannon Fentiman on their swift actions towards setting up emergency aid, food vouchers and financial hardship assistance,” Mr Evans said.
“This is such an incredibly difficult time for residents – in the midst of all the chaos we would like to at least see that people able to fill their fridges and feed their families.
“In times of crisis, it’s often the day-to-day things that make the biggest difference. We believe things such as grocery assistance will go a long way in helping victims cope with the mammoth recovery task that lies ahead,” he said.
The NRA is Australia’s largest and most diverse retail industry organisation, and has been representing the interests of the retail, fast food and broader service sector for almost 100 years.
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