The Queensland Government has revealed the extent of the damage to homes and businesses in South East Queensland following the recent severe rainfall and flooding.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said over 16,500 assessments of homes and commercial buildings had been undertaken.
“The Insurance Council of Australia have advised that more than 70,000 private insurance claims have already been received reaching $1 billion, with residents and businesses in these areas suffering significant dam- age to their cars, homes and properties,” she said.
“Of the more than 16,500 assessments undertaken on homes and commercial buildings, nearly half have some level of impact, with over 1,800 assessed as having severe levels of damage, over 2,500 with moderate damage and nearly 3,500 with minor levels of damage.”
In the Scenic Rim, 30 homes were assessed. Two had severe damage, five had moderate damage and eight had minor damage. The remaining 15 homes were assessed as not damaged.
“Many properties have suffered costly water damage, from flooding as well as from roof leaks that developed during the heavy, sustained rainfall.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Steven Miles said the 16,500 assessments were undertaken by the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES), supported by staff from the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA).
“Over the last two weeks, officers have been going street-by-street, house-by-house and business-by-business in impacted areas, inspecting the damage and surveying residents and owners about a range of issues, including accessibility to water and electricity, to determine the true extent of the damage,” Mr Miles said.
“While some of these properties will be re- paired quickly, others may be uninhabitable for months, if not longer.”
Personal Hardship Assistance Grants are available for impacted residents, including additional options for those who aren’t insured.
For more information, visit the Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy website or call the Community Hotline on 1800 173 349.
