Council mitigation cash aims to lower North Queensland premiums

The Queensland government is spending $10 million on council risk mitigation projects in an effort to lower insurance costs in the north of the cyclone and flood-prone state.

A broad range of projects will go ahead under the North Queensland Natural Disasters Mitigation Program, which was established in response to an Australian Consumer and Competition Commission insurance inquiry two years ago. The inquiry encouraged governments and insurers to identify mitigation works that can help reduce premiums.

The Queensland Reconstruction Authority will administer the $10 million program, and projects funded through it are expected to be delivered by the end of next year.

Queensland has been hit by almost 100 natural disasters in the past decade.

“They are becoming more frequent and more intense, so we need to become more innovative in our approach to reduce risk,” Deputy Premier Steven Miles said, noting communities in northern Queensland are exposed to cyclones, flooding and storm surges.

“These projects will help reduce the risk posed by these events and make insurance more affordable.”

The projects include $2 million funding for sand replenishment and rock protection on Woodgate Beach in the Bundaberg local government area to defend homes and infrastructure close to the water.

In Townsville, fifty water-level sensors will be installed at various locations to measure creeks, rivers and drainage channels, costing $125,000, and a further $150,000 investment will fund a detailed design for improvements at Campbell Street Pump Station by Townsville City Council.

Almost $800,000 in funding will go to Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council to upgrade overland stormwater infrastructure and road crossings and conduct a drainage and flood study across the shire.

Rockhampton Regional Council will receive $350,000 to develop two floodplain risk management studies in the Moores Creek and South Rockhampton catchments.

The Cairns Regional Council will receive funding for flood modelling studies and planning of infrastructure in the CBD.

Rock protection will be installed along the banks of Magnificent Creek, and the Torres Shire Council will receive $857,000 to realign stormwater drainage in four locations. A Coastal Hazard Resilience Officer will also be appointed at Torres Strait Island Regional Council to identify how to lessen other risks.

Mackay Regional Council will receive almost $400,000 towards a levee system to reduce inundation during storm surges, and a further $120,000 will be invested by Gladstone Regional Council to engage a consultant to undertake a flood study for the Boyne River catchment area.

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) previously called for Australian governments to collectively lift funding to $2 billion over five years to make at-risk communities and homes more resilient to flood, cyclone and bushfire.