Biggest Floods in Over 60 Years Wreak Havoc Across North Queensland

As floods continue to impact North Queensland and with more flooding expected, our thoughts are with all those affected. 

While visiting Townsville and other affected parts of North Queensland due to flash flooding, Jenny McAllister, Federal Minister for Emergency Management, noted in a media statement, “Recovery isn't something that starts tomorrow and then ends after a week. For many communities after a big event, it takes a lot to get that community back on its feet financially, psychologically, physically.” 

Places like Ingham have received more than 1,200mm of rain over the course of three days, with many homes and businesses inundated in what residents describe as the biggest floods the region has seen since 1967.  

Kieran Volpe, the 2024 Qld Broker of the Year and based in Ingham, shares the impact of the flood event in the past week.  

“We got indications last week that a lot of rain was on the way. And by that point, we had already received plenty of rain, so the signs were not good,” said Kieran. 

“People are comparing this to the 1967 flood event, which has always been the benchmark in terms of impact. Evacuation centres are open now, but things are tough. There are no supplies and people are sleeping on the hard floor,” Kieran added.  

Kieran also elaborated the impact of the floods on businesses.  

“Flood cover is an issue here in Ingham and surrounding areas,” Kieran said.  

“Flood cover is just not widely available for businesses here, so it remains to be seen what that means for them come claim time,” he added. 

Kieran underscored that this was a ‘once in a generation’ flood event that would be talked about for some time. 

“NQIB [North Queensland Insurance Brokers] have had a big meeting since the floods escalated on Sunday. The road between Townsville and Ingham is underwater so we discussed the possibility of airlifting staff to help with the cleanup and assist with the claims process,” said Kieran. 

“We will be talking about these floods for a while. This is a once in a generation flood event,” he said. 

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has declared this to be a ‘significant event’, activating preliminary catastrophe processes to help determine the insurance impact of the floods across the region.  

“Insurers understand the impact of these extreme weather events and will be move quickly to ensure communities receive the assistance they need as soon as possible,” said Andrew Hall, CEO of the ICA.  

Stay up to date with the latest information via www.bom.gov.au 
For emergency assistance: Call the SES on 132 500 or use the SES Assistance Qld app 
For road conditions, check qldtraffic.qld.gov.au or call 13 19 40.