Western Queensland Tops State’s Worst Weather Affected Areas in Suncorp Annual Review

Western Queensland has topped Suncorp Insurance’s annual review of Queensland’s top ten worst weather-affected suburbs.

Brisbane (I-Newswire) October 18, 2012 - Western Queensland has topped Suncorp Insurance’s annual review of Queensland’s top ten worst weather-affected suburbs. The figures highlight the hardest hit regions by average cost of personal insurance claims from July 2011 to June 2012. Mitchell, Roma and St George top the list and Suncorp Insurance Corporate Affairs Manager, Marcus Taylor, said the figures were a reminder that the warmer weather can also bring sudden storms and heavy rains.

“Each year storm season causes a lot of headaches for Queensland residents, and the past 12 months has been no different,” Mr Taylor said.

“Unfortunately, there have been no real surprises in our top ten with Mitchell, Roma and St George rounding out our top three."

“With some claims in Western Queensland costing on average over $110,000, it just shows the frightening level of damage that can be caused by a severe storm or flooding.

“These figures also highlight the importance of appropriate preparation and mitigation.”

The top ten worst storm damaged suburbs in Queensland from July 2011 to June 2012 were:
Location Average Claim Cost
1. Mitchell $110,478.70
2. Roma $96,054.28
3. St George $77,971.80
4. Hughenden $44,313.17
5. Vincent $31,690.52
6. Pomona $27,180.56
7. Warana $21,329.10
8. Tewantin $20,740.86
9. Buddina $19,355.98
10. Charleville $17,508.62

While Suncorp Insurance has been protecting the Queensland way of life for over 90 years, and has stood by Queenslanders during some of their darkest moments including Cyclone Larry (2006),The Gap Storms (2008) and the devastating Queensland Floods and Tropical Cyclone Yasi (2010-11), Mr Taylor says today’s figures again draw attention to the importance of mitigation.

“For some time now we have been in discussions with all levels of government to increase Queensland’s mitigation measures,” Mr Taylor said.

“With appropriate mitigation, a number of regions would not be making their third or fourth consecutive appearance on this list."

“History shows that mitigation measures can make a significant difference – not only in preventing a lot of destruction and heartache, but they can also assist in ensuring insurance premiums remain affordable for everyone.”
Mr Taylor also recommends that families prepare for the upcoming storm season.
“There are some things that can’t be replaced by insurance, and so we’d like to remind all Queenslanders to be prepared and get their house in order.
“A little bit of preparation can go a long way in protecting not only your home and possessions, but also your family.”

Preparation tips for storm season
Check gutters and downpipes. Backed up gutters can send water flowing into your home during heavy rains.
Check the roof for damaged or loose tiles, or raised corners of corrugated sheets. A roof in good repair is more likely to withstand high winds and keep out water.
Trim overgrown tree branches. Check with your local council if you’re unsure about which trees / branches you can cut. Do not attempt to trim trees near power lines.
Remove or secure loose items around the garden which could be blown about in high winds.
Keep a battery operated torch and AM radio handy in case of loss of electricity, as well as a first aid kit, spare water and canned food. Use the radio for power restoration updates and possible evacuation notices.
Consider putting together a small package of keepsakes and things you would hate to lose, in case you need to leave quickly.
Make sure your home and contents insurance and paperwork is up to date.

--ENDS