Queensland's Persistent Flood Woes: A Call for Resilient Rebuilding
Queensland's Persistent Flood Woes: A Call for Resilient Rebuilding
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
Share this news item:
| Surge in Mental Health Claims Challenges Australia's Income Protection Insurance 25 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori Recent data from the Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) reveals a significant shift in the landscape of income protection insurance in Australia. Mental health conditions have emerged as the leading cause of total and permanent disability (TPD) claims, accounting for nearly one-third of all claims paid. In 2024 alone, insurers disbursed over $2.2 billion for retail mental health claims, a figure that has almost doubled compared to five years prior. - read more |
| Decline in Income Protection Premiums Reflects Market Adjustments in Australia 25 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori Recent research from Rainmaker Information indicates a notable decrease in income protection insurance premiums across Australia. Direct income protection premiums have fallen by 12% for policies with a 30-day waiting period and 13% for those with a 90-day waiting period since 2024. Similarly, premiums for life products sold through advisers have decreased by 5%, with income protection premiums dropping by 7% for 30-day waiting periods and 5% for 90-day periods. - read more |
| Superannuation Insurance Extends Coverage to 6 Million More Australians 25 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori New research from the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) reveals that superannuation insurance now provides critical protection to over 6 million Australians who would otherwise be uninsured. This expansion has been achieved without impacting household spending, as the coverage is included within superannuation contributions. - read more |
| Adore Beauty's Strategic Acquisition of Ikou Enhances Market Presence 25 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori In a significant move within the Australian beauty industry, Adore Beauty has announced the acquisition of wellness and skincare brand Ikou for $25 million. This strategic decision aims to bolster Adore Beauty's private label offerings and marks its entry into the physical retail space. - read more |
| Decoding the Fine Print: What to Look out for in Your Income Protection Policy Income protection insurance serves as a vital safety net for Australian workers, ensuring financial stability in the face of unexpected illness or injury. As the landscape of work and health continues to evolve, understanding the essentials of income protection becomes increasingly crucial for anyone who relies on a steady income to support themselves and their loved ones. - read more
|
| Affordable Life Insurance: Finding the Right Fit for Your Family's Finances Life insurance is a crucial component in safeguarding your family's financial security. It offers peace of mind, knowing that your loved ones will be protected in the event of unexpected circumstances. Many Australians understand the value of having life insurance, but the task of finding a policy that fits within a family's budget can sometimes feel overwhelming. - read more
|
| Protecting Your Loved Ones: The Role of Life Insurance in Estate Planning Estate planning is a process that involves the management and distribution of an individual's assets and responsibilities in the event of their passing or incapacitation. It is an essential part of financial planning that ensures your assets are managed according to your desires and your loved ones are taken care of. - read more
|
| The Essential Role of Income Insurance in Your Financial Plan An income insurance policy, often referred to as income protection insurance, is a financial safety net designed to provide you with a steady income stream if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. It ensures that you can still support yourself and your family, even when unforeseen medical conditions prevent you from earning a salary. This policy typically covers a percentage of your pre-tax income, helping to alleviate the financial burden during recovery periods. - read more
|
A professional who analyzes the financial costs of risk and uncertainty using mathematics, statistics, and financial theory.