North Queensland Faces Swift Response Amid Devastating Floods

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

The deluge has already caused chaos in these northern parts of Queensland, with more hazardous conditions expected in the coming days. "The volume and intensity of this weather has already caused damage across parts of northern Queensland, with the risk of flash flooding expected to continue," remarked ICA CEO Andrew Hall.

Insurers are keen on providing swift assistance to affected communities. Hall emphasized, "Insurers understand the impact of these extreme weather events and will move quickly to ensure communities receive the assistance they need as soon as possible. We are working with the Queensland authorities and will keep the community updated as situations evolve."

Emergency services evacuated Townsville suburbs, and the Bruce Highway's Ollera Creek Bridge was destroyed by floods. Alert levels for the Ross and Herbert rivers remain high, while over 100 schools have shuttered due to the crisis.

The Bureau of Meteorology reported unprecedented rainfall, with senior meteorologist Matthew Collopy stating, "The heavy rainfall we have seen over northern Queensland over the past week has been extreme." Certain areas recorded rainfall exceeding 1200mm, with Rollingstone receiving 1286mm in just a week.

The severe weather has been attributed to a weakening low-pressure system, although the threat of localized heavy rain remains. "We remain prepared for the ongoing prospect of more rain and the likelihood of more flooding," noted Queensland Premier David Crisafulli.

If claims rise significantly, ICA might escalate the situation to an insurance catastrophe. The affected regions range from Townsville and Ingham to Cardwell, all included under the current significant event declaration. This decision follows insights gathered from the original article from ICA's announcement.

RACQ reported receiving 76 claims by early morning, a figure expected to grow as locals assess the damage. Major insurers, such as Suncorp, IAG, and RACQ, have activated response teams to provide immediate relief to their policyholders.

Victoria also faced severe weather conditions, with thunderstorms causing havoc, particularly in Geelong amid an ongoing heatwave. The city council detailed the aftermath: "We saw flash flooding, hail and wind damage, and widespread power outages with over 90 trees coming down across Geelong." Response efforts are ongoing as teams assess and prioritize repairs.

The Victorian State Emergency Service confirmed receiving 770 help requests within 24 hours, highlighting incidents of fallen trees and building damage. Geelong's vicinity experienced the majority of these calls, with units in South Barwon and Corio among the busiest.

Published:Monday, 3rd Feb 2025
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

Cyclone Pool Delivers Relief, But Farmers Still Need to Check Cover

30 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s final monitoring report on the cyclone reinsurance pool has delivered a mixed message for rural and regional northern Australia. The pool appears to have helped ease some premium pressure for medium to high cyclone-risk areas, including reductions across home, strata and small business building and contents cover. For farm families and agribusinesses in cyclone-exposed regions, that is welcome news after years of rising costs and limited choice. - read more

El Niño Outlook Puts Farm Risk Planning Back in Focus

23 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia’s latest El Niño declaration has turned seasonal risk planning into an immediate priority for many rural and regional businesses. The Bureau of Meteorology confirmed El Niño conditions in mid-June, with forecasts indicating the tropical Pacific is likely to keep warming through the coming months and remain a factor until at least the end of the year. - read more

NRMA's Departure from Farm Insurance: What It Means for Australian Farmers

16 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant shift within the Australian insurance landscape, NRMA has announced its withdrawal from the farm insurance market, ceasing the sale of new policies as of July 1, 2025. This decision affects both Hobby Farm Insurance and Rural Farm Insurance offerings, leaving many farmers in search of alternative coverage options to safeguard their livelihoods. - read more

New Partnership Strengthens Risk Management in Australia's Protected Cropping Sector

16 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

Protected Cropping Australia (PCA) and Achmea Farm Insurance have announced a strategic partnership aimed at bolstering risk mitigation and resilience within Australia's protected cropping sector. This collaboration seeks to empower growers by providing tailored insurance solutions and promoting best practices in risk management. - read more

ABARES Report Highlights Insurance as a Key Tool for Managing Agricultural Risks

16 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) has released a comprehensive report examining the role of insurance as a risk management tool for Australian farmers. The report emphasises that while insurance cannot protect against inevitable events like climate change, it can be instrumental in managing the variability and unpredictability inherent in farming. - read more

ABARES Forecasts Significant Decline in Australian Farm Profits

09 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) has released a report forecasting a substantial decline in broadacre farm profits, projecting a 70% decrease to approximately $65,000 per farm. This downturn is attributed to escalating input costs and persistent drought conditions affecting various regions. - read more

Click for more Insurance News