Panel Discussion Flooding: Brisbane 2011 & Townsville 2019, Same but Different David Flint – Principal - Gilchrist Connell Adam Noble - State Manager – Crawford & Company Liam Walter - Head of Property Claims – RACQ Greg Roads – Director - WRM Water & Environment
Brisbane 2011 & Townsville 2019 – What caused the events? Brisbane Flooding was caused by heavy rainfall from tropical cyclone Tasha that combined with a trough during the peak of a La Nina event.
Brisbane 2011 & Townsville 2019 – Some Stats What caused the events? Townsville – North Queensland More than a year’s worth of rain in nine days triggered the spillway gates of the north Queensland city’s Ross River Dam to open, causing almost 2,000 cubic meters of water per second to gush downstream and inundate several Townsville suburbs
Brisbane 2011 & Townsville 2019 – Some Stats Number of claims Brisbane Approximately 56,200 insurance claims were made pure estimate $2.55 billion as there were so many uninsured losses. Townsville – North Queensland Estimated as at 9 May at $1.224 billion in insurance claims for Townsville (90% domestic , 10% commercial) $500 million in livestock across the State.
Brisbane 2011 & Townsville 2019 – Some Stats What was the cause of the damage? Brisbane Claimed in the class action that dam releases into the Brisbane which contributed to extensive flooding. Townsville – North Queensland Rainfall caused the dam to reach 200% of its holding capacity and the floodgates were opened which is said to have caused more damage.
Brisbane 2011 & Townsville 2019 – What changes occurred after 2011? Insurance Contracts Act updated in 2012 to include flood definition which applies to home and contents (exception is if a broker is involved) Changes to the Insurance Code of Practice in 2012 to include provisions around the timing of expert reports and claim decisions.
Brisbane 2011 & Townsville 2019, Same but Different Panel Discussion