RACQ Insurance says Queensland homeowners 'embracing' retrofitting initiative

RACQ Insurance says many policyholders have turned to the joint Queensland and federal government Resilient Homes Fund (RHF) for flood resilience upgrades as the first works begin.

RACQ CEO Insurance Trent Sayers says the insurer worked closely with the governments to develop the program and encourages all eligible members to sign up.

“This is the best example you will find anywhere in Australia of government and insurers working together to make homes more disaster resilient,” Mr Sayers said.

“We live in the country’s most disaster-prone state and, unfortunately, we know we’ll face more severe and frequent weather events,” Mr Sayers said.

He says the program will provide property owners with the opportunity to “upgrade their homes with more robust building designs and materials to help minimise damage” from future flooding events

North Brisbane residents Elizabeth and Kevin Kriesch, whose property is currently undergoing retrofitting works, spoke to the importance of the program after their home of 50 years was flooded by last February’s historic event.

“We want this home to hold its value and be an asset for our children and grandchildren which is why we are incorporating flood-resilient changes to the lower level, including raising electrical circuits, and using waterproof walling, skirting, cupboards, doors and flooring,” Ms Kriesch said.

“Hopefully we won’t have another natural disaster, but if we do, the clean-up will be much easier and quicker because the home is much more resilient.”

Queensland Public Works and Procurement Minister Mick de Brenni says nearly 6000 Queenslanders have signed up for the program, with about 40% opting for improved resiliency to their home.

“The $741 million Resilient Homes Fund is not only the largest natural disaster rebuilding program in Australia since Cyclone Tracy in 1974, but also Australia’s largest ever climate adaptation program,” Mr de Brenni said.

“We will always stand shoulder to shoulder with Queenslanders when they are most in need, particularly off the back of those natural disasters we know all too well.”