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Boosting Local Safety

The Deception Bay State Emergency Service (SES) Group has officially moved into a new facility at 12 Old Bay Road. This project comes at a critical time as Queensland enters its severe weather season. 

Delivered through a partnership between the state and local governments, the $3.75 million depot is designed to strengthen disaster readiness for the entire Moreton Bay City area. The new base replaces older infrastructure and provides a modern space for a group that has served the community for four decades.

Room to Grow

A major benefit of this upgrade is the immediate increase in training capacity. Previously, the group could only accommodate 50 members for training sessions, but the new building allows up to 120 volunteers to train each night. This expansion supports a current recruitment drive, with the unit looking to add 35 new volunteers to its ranks. The facility services a wide region stretching from Deception Bay out to Laceys Creek in the west.

Better Tools for the Job

The depot includes expanded storage and specialized operational areas. It is built to house a larger fleet of rescue vehicles, including flood boats, all-terrain vehicles, and general response cars. Beyond just storage, the site features dedicated command capabilities that allow for better coordination during emergencies.

Police and Emergency Services Minister Dan Purdie indicated that the new design focuses on giving volunteers the right tools and space to do their jobs safely. He noted that while the weather cannot be controlled, ensuring volunteers have proper facilities is essential for them to face dangerous conditions.

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Supporting Volunteer Well-being

SES Chief Officer Dr Mark Armstrong highlighted that the building does more than just store equipment. He explained that the facility provides a functional and safe environment for members to plan and operate. According to Armstrong, this support is vital for maintaining the physical and mental well-being of volunteers who give up their personal time to protect the community during crises. 

The upgrade reflects the growth of the service across the state, which has seen active membership numbers rise to over 5,300 people in the last year.

Published Date 12-December-2025

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Community Impact And Eligibility

North Lakes residents and nearby suburbs, Mango Hill and Deception Bay, should confirm their address on the Queensland disaster site now to see if they qualify for hardship grants and local recovery support.

The state website lists those suburbs among eligible localities, and residents should check their address on the disaster assistance page to confirm eligibility.

Available Grants And What They Cover

The joint state and federal program includes emergency hardship assistance for essentials such as food and temporary shelter. Essential services hardship payments support people who lost power, water or sewage for more than five days. The essential household contents grant replaces items such as bedding and whitegoods for people who are uninsured or unable to claim. 

The Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme funds safety inspections and repairs to reconnect utilities. The Structural Assistance Grant provides up to $80,000 for uninsured, low income owner occupiers whose homes are structurally unsafe.

How To Apply And Where To Get Help

Residents should use the Queensland disaster form, enter their address from the list or enter it manually if needed, and supply identification and bank details. The form asks whether the residence is owned or rented. 

Community recovery hubs operate across Moreton Bay and nearby regions, with pop up hubs listed for Bribie Island and Beachmere. People who need help with applications or who require welfare referrals can call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

Local Services And Practical Recovery Support

Recovery staff at community hubs are offering application help and referrals to local services for mental health, financial counselling and safe clean up advice. Some councils arranged free green waste drop off for storm debris in affected areas, as reported by local media. 

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Support service centres have operating hours posted on the government website and are available if a hub has closed.

Published 03-December-2025

The post North Lakes Residents Eligible For State Hardship Grants After Severe Hail appeared first on North Lakes Today.