By Jeremy Cook
Southern Downs residents affected by major flooding last year have been urged to share stories of the potential challenges they might have faced when claiming insurance.
Severe thunderstorms and intense rainfall lashed the Southern Downs causing widespread flash flooding on several occasions in 2022.
Heavy rain impacted up to 31 roads when wild weather thrashed the region during a weekend-long deluge in early-March.
In Warwick, residents were caught off guard a second time in only a matter of months when the town suffered its worst flooding in a decade after the Condamine River burst its bank, peaking higher than 8 metres in May.
A federal parliamentary inquiry was set up in August 2023 to probe insurance companies on their response to flooding events across Australia, including the Southern Downs, following nationwide reports of insurers refusing payouts for damaged homes.
Residents faced with insurance challenges have now been encouraged to speak out.
In a letter to Southern Downs Regional Council Daniel Mulino, chair of the Standing Committee on Economics conducting the inquiry, said it was crucial that affected residents voice their experiences.
“It is important that all those affected have a chance to tell their story and share with the committee their experiences of dealing with their insurer,” Dr Mulino said.
“In recognition of the difficulties many people are still facing in getting their lives back on track, the committee has compiled a survey as a simple and effective way for people to engage with the inquiry.”
The survey will form the initial phase of the inquiry, asking respondents a series of questions revolving around how insurers responded to claims and whether insurance policies could be retained or renewed after flooding.
In a statement in late-August, Dr Mulino said the survey was important to understanding how people were affected.
“It is really important that people participate in the survey,” he said.
“Committee members need to have a good understanding of people’s experiences with their insurance companies.
“Their evidence will inform our discussions throughout the inquiry and help guide our recommendations.”
The survey can be accessed online at www.aph.gov.au/FloodInsurance.
