Queensland floods mail delivery update
Wednesday, 05 January 2011
Australia Post has advised that there are major disruptions to mail delivery to and from flood-affected regions of Queensland.
Australia Post's people are working tirelessly to maintain normal mail services and minimise delays where roads are still accessible in the flood affected areas of Queensland. It is unknown how long mail delivery to the flood-affected areas will be disrupted, as this will depend on advice from local emergency services.
The safety of our people is paramount and delivery of all mail will recommence as soon as access is restored. With heavy rains still forecast, Australia Post cannot guarantee street delivery in many flood affected towns, but is committed to delivering where safe to do so.
The situation is changing rapidly, so it is difficult to give definitive advice regarding which locations are receiving mail as it is subject to change.
Mail is being flown to larger destinations that are still accessible by air, however, more urgent freight takes priority when space is limited, so outside of major population areas delivery is still limited and irregular.
In instances where delivery is not possible, we are holding mail at post offices and delivery facilities, and people can ring 13 13 18 if they seek urgent advice about their mail.
No damaged mail has been reported received, though until floods fully subside and street posting boxes can be accessed it will not be possible to determine the full impact of the floodwaters.
Distribution of flood relief funds via Australia Post outlets
To assist those affected by the flooding, Australia Post is using its outlets as a distribution network for disaster-relief funds, on behalf of the Queensland Department of Communities.
Under an agreement between the Queensland State Government, the Commonwealth Bank, National Australia Bank and ANZ, Australia Post is providing assistance to the Department of Communities by dispensing immediate aid relief funds to those affected by the Queensland floods.
"Australia Post is concerned about the impact the flooding has had on the community and we're pleased that we can use our retail network to distribute disaster relief funds to those in need," says Australia Post Executive General Manager Retail Services, Christine Corbett.
"We know that in the event of a disaster, people need emergency aid quickly, so we have made a number of our outlets available to dispense cash payments to those in need and our people are onboard to assist in making the disaster relief payments."
To find out which postal outlets flood relief payments can be accessed, please contact our Customer Contact Centre on 13 13 18.
More information about the flood relief emergency funds is available at: www.communityservices.qld.gov.au/community/community-recovery/support-assistance