Recovery effort rolls on

ONE of the people involved in the early establishment of the Grantham Community Centre has praised residents of the Lockyer Valley for the resilience in dealing with the 2011 floods.

Inspector Mike McKay made the statement after learning the community centre closed on June 29.

"People who assisted in the region did a tremendous job in putting communities like Grantham, Mt Sylvia, Postmans Ridge, Gatton, Laidley, Helidon and Withcott in better places," Insp McKay said.

"There is a transitional period for all tragedies, however the longevity varies according to the particular tragedy.

"Queensland Health and the Department of Community Services (DOCS) are maintaining links with the community in a professional capacity and will continue to do so."

DOCS regional executive director Brooke Winters confirmed health services would remain available to people in the region with continued support in Grantham.

"Even though the centre is closed, DOCS will continue to offer counselling with its Outreach program through Red Cross, Lifeline and Queensland Health," Ms Winters said.

"We've been there since the floods and we will continue to support the community."

For its part, the Lockyer Valley Regional Council (LVRC) mayor Steve Jones said the council had been able to secure an agreement with DOCS to have the Community Recovery Referral and Information Centre shifted to the new estate so health services could be maintained.

"It's important to note that while the gifting of the Community Recovery Referral and Information Centre is now just a formality, services haven't stopped," Cr Jones said.

"Services continue to operate on an outreach basis until such time as providers are able to utilise this centre in its new location."

Cr Jones said the LVRC had case managers operating from the Strengthening Grantham site to assist people with their re-building and also land swap cases.

"They are also continuing to match people's needs with donated goods, so if someone is rebuilding and needs a shower, and we have a donated one, we are providing it to them," Cr Jones said.

Education Queensland regional director, Darling Downs and South West Region, Greg Dickman said the building was installed on the Grantham State School site to be used as a recovery centre in early 201.

He confirmed ownership had transferred to the Grantham State School on June 30.

"The school intends to use the facility for a range of purposes, including instrumental music and life-skills programs," Mr Dickman said.

"The building is currently being prepared for this purpose."