Update: Queensland flooding - Local Area Emergency declared

This content was published on Wednesday 12 January 2022. There may be more recent updates available.

We have declared a Local Area Emergency (LAE) for the period 7 to 14 January 2022 following severe weather and flooding in Queensland.

This LAE includes all child care services in the following Local Government Areas (LGAs):

  • Bundaberg
  • Gympie
  • Fraser Coast

A range of support is available to services and families during an LAE.

Support for families

Families attending services in the Bundaberg, Gympie and Fraser Coast LGAs can use additional absences during the LAE period if they have used their 42 absence days, plus their 10 extra absences for the 2021-2022 financial year. Most families will still have absences available.

Affected families may be eligible for extra help with the cost of child care through the Additional Child Care Subsidy (temporary financial hardship). Families must apply directly to Centrelink.

The Australian Government provides a range of payments and services to individuals affected by a major disaster. Services Australia has more information about emergency payments.

Families looking for alternative care during an emergency can visit StartingBlocks.gov.au.

Support for services

The Community Child Care Fund (CCCF) Special Circumstances grant helps services stay open when something unexpected happens, such as a local emergency. Affected services can apply on our website.

If you have to close

You must let us know if you temporarily close your service. You can do this via the Provider Entry Point (PEP) or your third-party software.

You also need to tell your state or territory regulatory authority.

For action

  • Update your contact details, particularly email addresses, in the Child Care Subsidy System so you don’t miss important information. Do this via the PEP or your third-party software.
  • Update your vacancy details in Child Care Finder. Do this via the PEP or your third-party software.
  • Ask families to maintain their enrolments. This will ensure their children receive continuity of care and early learning.
  • Keep an eye on the QLD Government’s disaster site for current emergency information in your region.

More information

Visit our website for more information about help before, during and after an emergency.