The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) is calling for reforms to better protect Queenslanders from the financial impact of natural disasters, including making insurance more affordable and available, and accelerating disaster recovery.
Despite significant investment in disaster mitigation measures, the state’s communities have reported instances of insurance premiums rising by 100%, 200% and even 500%, said LGAQ President, Gladstone Mayor, Matt Burnett.
“Soaring insurance costs are putting pressure on Queenslanders during a cost-of-living crisis,” he said.
“Significant increases in insurance premiums, which many report as being unaffordable, lead to uninsurance and underinsurance challenges, leaving communities vulnerable.”
LGAQ chief executive officer, Alison Smith said Queensland councils want all sides of politics contesting the upcoming Federal Election to commit to initiatives to better protect local communities and make them more resilient.
“Betterment and an extension of the voluntary home buy back scheme would have a massive positive impact on communities in what is Australia’s most natural disaster-prone state,” Ms Smith said.
“With forecasts telling us that weather events will only be more severe and more frequent into the future, we need to see election commitments that can help Queensland become Australia’s most resilient state.”
Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor, Teresa Millwood said the most recent flooding disaster had had a disastrous effect on the community, “being that a lot of people aren’t insured anymore, because they can’t afford it.
“I think because they are already in a state of distress it becomes difficult,” she said.
“I think it needs to be simplified so the people who are paying for insurance, feel like they can claim their insurance.
“Building back better is a no-brainer. Why would you go and build something back in the same state that it was before when it’s already been washed away.”
The LGAQ and Queensland councils have called for series of reforms including:
- – Reducing the skyrocketing costs of insurance in the community with greater transparency in the setting of premiums, taking into account climate resilience initiatives and natural hazard mitigation measures when setting insurance premiums;
- – Increasing the affordability and availability of insurance statewide – including for households, strata title holders and businesses;
- – Undertaking a holistic review that makes changes to the Australian Cyclone Reinsurance Pool to extend the claims period for cyclone and flood related damage and expands the criteria.
LGAQ is further calling on the Federal Government to support councils and communities by:
- – Simplifying claims processes under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to reduce red tape and make substantiation processes fairer, for essential public assets like roads and drainage including photographic evidence;
- – Extending funding for an ongoing, voluntary home buy-back program; and
- – Partnering with the State Government to increase opportunities for local betterment projects and increase community resilience from local disasters with an additional $200m per year.
Over the past decade, City of Moreton Bay residents have faced severe weather events causing more than $100 million in damage.
Moreton Bay Mayor, Peter Flannery says it’s councils who are the first to respond and the last to leave in the disaster management process – and councils who know their community needs best.
“It’s why in Moreton Bay, we’re seeking support for a purpose built, local disaster coordination centre to provide vital coordination at State, Federal and Local levels to protect growing southeast Queensland communities from more frequent weather events like Tropical Cyclone Alfred,” he said.
Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor, Ramon Jayo said funds were needed not just to seal flood-affected roads, but to fortify them.
“We’re constantly repairing the same stretch of road – because it’s the same stretch of road the water comes down,” said Mayor Jayo.
“Betterment is a significant ask of ours every year – and at the end of the day, it’s about saving money.”
Tablelands Regional Council Mayor, Rod Marti said more affordable insurance would mean more protection for households, and businesses – many peoples greatest assets.
“Soaring costs are putting unacceptable pressure on communities like ours during a cost-of-living crisis,” he said.
“There has to be a fairer way, particularly for our most vulnerable community members.”
Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor, Alf Lacey said all three levels of Government needed to work together to ensure the best outcomes for residents.
“We are tough in North Queensland, and we are used to some of these types of events but they are reoccurring and are getting more prolonged now,” he said.
“I think in terms of the in terms of the personal hardship payments, particularly when it comes to our communities, there needs to be another methodology used, particularly when the state and the Commonwealth enter into an agreement around it.
“Whilst it’s costing me a dollar for an apple on Townsville it’s costing me $10 on Palm Island. It seriously needs to be reassessed, particularly when we come to these events.”
More information on the LGAQ’s Federal Election campaign can be viewed at: www.dontleaveusinthe70s.com.au.
