Halloween hailstorm bill nears $1 billion
05 March 2021
The estimated damage bill of the Halloween hailstorm is nearing $1 billion.
The total loss has risen to over $930 million with almost 40,000 claims lodged to insurance companies.
An additional 5,500 claims have been lodged in the past month.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the people of Springfield Lakes, Springfield and Rosewood in particular, are still feeling the heartache.
“We are still in storm season and every time residents previously affected by the October hailstorms see those clouds, they have to worry about whether the tarps are going to hold on their roof,” Mayor Harding said.
“Our residents need boots on the ground, now.
“There are insurance claims outstanding, and licensed builders and contractors are required to rebuild homes as soon as possible.
“Every day that goes by with an outstanding claim means a greater risk and more distress for Ipswich families.”
A February assessment found that 230 homes were still severely affected with a further 667 houses still having moderate damage.
Houses with severe damage means that the roof structure is significantly damaged and requires major repairs.
Houses with moderate damage is described as having roofing material damaged or removed but no structural damage to the roof trusses.
A further 245 houses have minor damage which is a structure that has been damaged but is still habitable but repairs are still required.
About 150 residents attended a community information session with insurers and the Insurance Council of Australia Wednesday night where people were able to find out how the claims process works.
Division 2 Councillor Nicole Jonic said the feeling in the community was that enough is not being done and the community was growing tired of delays.
“We are a fairly resilient bunch of people and we have been through quite a few natural disasters,” Cr Jonic said.
“But there comes a time where people reach breaking point.
“Our community desperately needs extra trades and support from their insurers so they can get back into their homes and get on with their lives again.”