Councils call for Federal commitments to disaster communities
Published on 16 March 2025
Queensland councils are calling for reforms to protect Queenslanders from a devastating financial blow after natural disasters, including making insurance more affordable and available and speeding up disaster recovery.
Despite significant investment in disaster mitigation measures like levees to reduce flooding or other natural hazard risks, Queensland communities have reported instances of insurance premiums rising by 100 per cent, 200 per cent and even 500 per cent.
“Soaring insurance costs are putting pressure on Queenslanders during a cost-of-living crisis,” Local Government Association of Queensland President Matt Burnett 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 wanted 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.”
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.
Queensland councils want 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.
Quotes attributable to Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo:
“We’re constantly repairing the same stretch of road – because it’s the same stretch of road the water comes down.
“Where we’ve sealed the roads, the roads have stood up.
“We’ve proven it’s not about getting the money to just seal roads – it’s about fortifying them.
“Betterment is a significant ask of ours every year – and at the end of the day, it’s about saving money.”
Quotes attributable to Tablelands Regional Council Mayor Rod Marti:
“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.
“There has to be a fairer way, particularly for our most vulnerable community members.”
Quotes attributable to Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Teresa Millwood:
“The most recent flooding disaster was an extraordinary event – and it had a disastrous effect on our 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.
“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.”
Quotes attributable to Burdekin Shire Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort:
“Across the board out there you can see so many people out there who can’t afford insurance to start with.”
Quotes attributable to Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Alf Lacey:
“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.
“We need all three levels of government to be working together to ensure we get the best outcome possible for our people.
“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.”
Quotes attributable to City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery:
“Over the past decade, City of Moreton Bay residents have faced severe weather events causing over $100 million in damage.
“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.”
More information on the LGAQ's Federal Election campaign can be viewed at: www.dontleaveusinthe70s.com.au.