Queensland emerges as the nation’s most weather-ready state
New RACQ Insurance research has revealed Queenslanders lead the nation when it comes to weathering unexpected risks, including natural disasters.
The latest data shows 70% of Queenslanders say they are likely to prepare for unexpected risks, compared with only 63.8% in New South Wales, 60.3% in Victoria and 58.6% in Western Australia.
RACQ Insurance Chief Executive Officer Trent Sayers said Queenslanders are not strangers to natural disasters, with almost four in five (79%) experiencing the impacts of a severe storm, heatwave or flood.
“Cyclone Koji in North Queensland and severe hailstorms in South East Queensland last storm season were frightening reminders of how destructive our state’s weather can be,” Mr Sayers said.
“After experiencing so many extreme events, it’s no wonder Queenslanders are taking these risks more seriously and it’s encouraging to see people preparing earlier for natural disasters."
The research found half of Queenslanders (51.1%) closely follow local emergency services weather updates and are more likely than other states to maintain and repair their homes, regularly check safety devices and keep their insurance cover up to date.
It also revealed extreme weather risk is shaping housing decisions nationally, with 53% of Australians saying it has influenced where they choose to live – a number which rises to 73% amongst Gen Z.
Gen Z also reported the lowest confidence of any generation in their ability to cope if a serious event were to occur.
“These findings show extreme weather risk is becoming a real factor in how Australians, particularly young people, think about where they live and whether they’d be able to cope in a serious event,” Mr Sayers said.
“Queenslanders face greater exposure to extreme weather than many other parts of the country, so the best thing people can do is prepare early, stay alert and be ready when conditions change.
“Even though storm season is over in Queensland, now is a good time to review severe weather preparations around the home and check insurance is up to date, so you’re ready before the next season arrives.”
About the IAG Resilient Futures Report
The IAG Resilient Futures Report draws on insights from a nationally representative survey of more than 2,400 Australian consumers and small businesses across metropolitan, regional and rural communities. The research captures a comprehensive view of how Australians are experiencing, interpreting and responding to risk in an increasingly uncertain environment.
IAG, the largest general insurer across Australia and NZ, has a distribution agreement with RACQ, through RACQ Insurance, to underwrite and provide insurance products for Queenslanders.
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