RACQ recently applauded the Federal Government for making Queensland the first beneficiary of its long-awaited Disaster Ready Fund.
Chief Executive Officer of RACQ David Carter said Queensland is the country’s most vulnerable state, as evidence by the horrific flooding events from last year.
Mr Carter said when it comes to natural disasters, any investment that makes homes in high-risk areas more resilient is a step in the right direction.
“RACQ has long advocated for greater investments in household mitigation, and it is great to see the Federal Government recognise the importance of these resilience programs,” Mr Carter said.
“Building resilient communities is an issue which needs to be addressed by all levels of Government and we urge the State Government to follow suit in its upcoming Budget.”
Mr Carter said the Household Resilience Program was a first of its kind in Australia when it commenced five years ago.
“The State Government should be given credit for delivering a popular and successful initiative that has already assisted more than 4300 vulnerable households.
“The results of this program may not be felt for several years, but it is a smart investment and is the right thing to do.
“By making homes stronger, Governments are making regional economies stronger too,” he said.
He said when natural disasters hit, less damage is sustained, fewer families are displaced, and communities recover quicker.
“At the same time, resilience programs such as this help keep insurance affordable and accessible as it reduces the risk to individual properties.
“There’s been plenty of headwinds facing the insurance industry – mounting damage bills from more frequent disasters, inflation, growing building costs – but if you lower the risk of disaster damage, you’re tackling the heart of the problem.”
