Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said she is closely monitoring how insurance companies are dealing with local residents and businesses directly impacted by the unprecedented monsoon.
“The insurance industry has an important role to play to help our city recover from this natural disaster,” Cr Hill said.
“Residents need to repair their homes and businesses need to fix property to get back up and running.
“However, insurers need to do more than just mending and restoring what has been broken – it’s crucial local firms and local tradies get a fair chance to secure work as part of the rebuild of our city.
“We have the skills and capacity to rebuild our city and local workers should be given every opportunity to secure work.”
Cr Hill said she will take part in another insurance roundtable on Thursday to raise any issues directly with insurers.
“I want insurers to act responsibly and to treat local residents and businesses – including everyone involved in the reconstruction – fairly,” Cr Hill said.
Townsville Local Recovery and Recovery Group Chair Deputy Mayor Les Walker encouraged any affected insurance policy holders to attend the Insurance Council of Australia’s Forum tonight between 6pm and 9pm.
“If you are having any issues with your insurer after the unprecedented monsoon, contact the Insurance Council of Australia to be part of tonight’s Forum for policy holders,” Cr Walker said.
“Residents and businesses may be experiencing difficulties with the claims process and the Forum is one way people can air any grievances.
“The Recovery team is keeping a very close eye on how insurance companies are conducting their business because we know they have such an important role in rebuilding homes, businesses and Townsville’s economy after the unprecedented monsoon.”
