Local governments need to provide more detailed flood mapping data to accurately determine flood risk to properties urged the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA).

“If more widespread mapping and data were available for Queensland, more insurers would be able to price the risk, leading to more flood products being offered to the QLD community,” said ICA CEO Rob Whelan.

The additional community benefit will help more Queenslanders understand the risks relating to their property while raising awareness. The general insurance industry has been working in partnership with all Australian state governments to develop the multi-million dollar National Flood Information Database (NFID).

Unfortunately, not every flood prone area in Australia is covered by the NFID, as some local governments and floodplain management authorities,
responsible for this information have yet to release adequate flood mapping for their jurisdictions.

“Insurers have demonstrated that where the risk can be properly understood, they will develop the product There is far greater flood coverage in states like NSW, WA and SA because flood mapping and data has been made available to the industry,” Whelan said.

In Queensland, over 90 percent of catchments flood mapping data is still being sourced for the NFID. The ICA is continuing to work with local governments for the release of this crucial data.

“Queensland has been affected by severe flooding many times in the past and we know similar events are inevitable in the future. There must be action to provide this data immediately,” Whelan added.

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