Although Townsville was spared the worst, the situation in Ingham remains grim, with the Herbert River experiencing major flooding. The waters rose to 14.94 meters at the Ingham Pump Station, surpassing the major flood threshold of 12 meters. Emergency services are on high alert as risk of further flooding persists, though river levels are expected to recede in the coming days.
State Premier David Crisafulli remarked positively on Townsville’s fortune, acknowledging, “There is no doubt that the city has dodged a bullet.” However, he emphasized the ongoing challenges in Ingham, recalling the devastating floods of 1967 as the town grapples with a similar disaster.
Meteorologist Miriam Bradbury from the Bureau of Meteorology reported scattered rains replacing the earlier deluge, easing some pressure but keeping vigilant watch over river systems. She cautioned that riverine flooding risks remain as water moves through the catchments.
The Premier highlighted the extensive damage across Ingham, noting the severely affected homes, businesses, and farms. “There have been people who have been inundated at home, at their businesses and in their farms,” he shared. In a decisive move towards resilience, he announced plans to rebuild critical infrastructure with disaster prevention in mind. “We are determined to build betterment into all that we do,” Crisafulli stated, underscoring the need to learn and improve from each disaster.
Insurance firms are mobilizing to support affected communities. IAG has processed around 100 claims and deployed additional staff to the region, with Suncorp and RACQ joining efforts to assist claims handling locally.
The floodwaters pose risks beyond immediate physical damage. Brodie West, President of the Restoration Industry Association, advised caution when dealing with contaminated floodwaters, which contain a myriad of hazards like soil bacteria, industrial waste, and heavy metals. She emphasized the importance of taking “the right approach… in particular drying and hazard removal” to mitigate health risks associated with floods.
While the insurance adjustments and government resolution provide some hope, the scale of recovery underscores the need for strategic rebuilding. Repurposing traditional infrastructure models towards ones that withstand future climate-driven challenges is crucial. As Premier Crisafulli mentioned: “Disasters will strike and communities understand that, but there’s no point continuing to do the same thing and expecting a different result.”
The source for this report was derived from Insurance News, capturing the ongoing developments and responses in the face of Queensland’s challenging flood conditions.
Published:Wednesday, 5th Feb 2025
Source: Paige Estritori
![]() | Landmark Court Ruling Challenges Insurance Exclusion Clauses 19 Feb 2025: Paige Estritori An Australian court has rendered a pivotal decision in a complex insurance case featuring Mr R's Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) claim which was initially denied by the insurer due to a contested exclusion clause related to pre-existing conditions involving neck and shoulder injuries. - read more |
![]() | Rising Insurance Premiums: A Looming Crisis for Australian Households 18 Feb 2025: Paige Estritori The insurance landscape in Australia is becoming increasingly fraught as the cost of home insurance continues to climb. Recent findings have shed light on the financial strain experienced by 1.6 million households due to surging insurance expenses. Alarmingly, this figure marks an increase of 360,000 households compared to the previous year, underscoring a 30% rise in those affected by these financial burdens. - read more |
![]() | AFCA Backs Policyholder in Stolen Car Dispute 17 Feb 2025: Paige Estritori In a recent ruling, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) sided with a motor insurance policyholder, awarding her the full value of her stolen vehicle alongside $3000 for non-financial losses, dismissing the insurer's fraud accusations. - read more |
![]() | Debate Heats Up Over Risk Commission Caps in Insurance 16 Feb 2025: Paige Estritori In light of recent discussions within Australia's financial sector, notable figures from both the Coalition and Labor are advocating for the removal of risk insurance commission caps. This policy adjustment could potentially reshape the landscape for life insurance advisers across the nation. - read more |
![]() | Business Relief as Insurance Rates Decline Worldwide 11 Feb 2025: Paige Estritori In a new development that could signal relief for global businesses, the latest data from Marsh's commercial price monitor indicates a broad decline in insurance rates during the last quarter of 2025. This trend is especially marked in the Australia-Pacific region, which experienced an 8% reduction, making it the standout market globally. - read more |
![]() | Life Insurance Audit: Regular Check-Ups for Your Policy's Health Life insurance serves as a crucial safety net, guarding your loved ones against the unforeseen. Just as you would take care of your health through regular check-ups, it is equally important to ensure that your life insurance policy remains in sound condition to provide the necessary protection. - read more
|
![]() | Unexpected Illness & Injury: Navigating Financial Security for Your Family Life is an unpredictable journey filled with twists and turns that can challenge even the most prepared among us. Sudden illnesses and unexpected injuries are just some of the uncertainties that can disrupt the harmony of family life. The emotional turmoil brought on by these circumstances is often compounded by the financial strain they can cause. It's during these trying times that the true value of peace of mind becomes clear. - read more
|
![]() | Covering the Unexpected: A Guide to Trauma Insurance for Australian Families Trauma insurance, also known as critical illness insurance, is a type of coverage that provides a lump sum payment in the event that the insured suffers from a critical illness or injury. Unlike health insurance, which covers medical expenses, trauma insurance is designed to provide financial protection by helping to cover the additional costs associated with recovery from a severe illness or injury. - read more
|
![]() | The Single Parent’s Guide to Securing Your Child’s Financial Future Single parenting brings with it a mosaic of responsibilities and challenges, not least of which is securing a stable financial future for your child. The rollercoaster of raising a child alone often means that planning for the future can take a back seat to the day-to-day demands of parenting. Unexpected illnesses and injuries can compound these challenges, causing stress to multiply and plans to go awry. - read more
|
![]() | Understanding Various Life Insurance Types: Which One is Right for You? Financial security is one of the most important aspects of modern family life. Ensuring that loved ones are protected and well-supported in the event of an untimely death is a fundamental concern for many Australians. - read more
|
![]() |
How Much Life Insurance Does Your Family Actually Need? Financial security for families is an essential consideration in any household. Life can be unpredictable, and ensuring that your loved ones are protected from financial hardship in your absence is a critical part of financial planning. - read more
|
![]() |
Understanding Life Insurance: Coverage Types to Protect Your Loved Ones The importance of life insurance in financial planning: Life insurance isn’t just a policy; it’s a cornerstone of comprehensive financial planning. By protecting your family’s financial future, life insurance offers peace of mind, knowing that your loved ones will be taken care of in the event of your untimely passing. It’s not solely about leaving behind a legacy, but also ensuring that your family can maintain their standard of living, pay off debts, and cover end-of-life expenses without financial burden. - read more
|
![]() |
How Much Life Insurance Do You Truly Need? Assessing Your Personal Coverage There's often confusion surrounding the amount of life insurance one truly needs. Common misconceptions cloud our judgment, leading some to undervalue their coverage, while others may overinsure, unnecessarily straining their financial resources. It is a delicate balance to strike, and understanding the nuances of life insurance is pivotal to making informed decisions. - read more
|
![]() |
Understanding Various Life Insurance Types: Which One is Right for You? Financial security is one of the most important aspects of modern family life. Ensuring that loved ones are protected and well-supported in the event of an untimely death is a fundamental concern for many Australians. - read more
|
![]() |
Understanding Life Insurance: Securing Your Family's Future Defining life insurance and its importance: Life insurance is a pivotal financial product designed to protect your loved ones from economic hardship in case of your untimely death. It acts as a safety net, ensuring that your family can maintain their standard of living, cover outstanding debts, and afford future expenses like education and retirement. - read more
|