RACQ welcomes $20 million boost to Household Resilience Program

RACQ applauds the Federal Government for making Queensland the first beneficiary of its long-awaited Disaster Ready Fund.

RACQ Chief Executive Officer David Carter said Queensland is the country’s most vulnerable state when it comes to natural disasters and 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 4,300 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. When a major cyclone hits, 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 of 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 that exists in places like north Queensland.”

Media contact: RACQ Media Manager Ashleigh Paterson 0401 051 761