Insurers have pressed the country’s most disaster-prone state to take up their recommendations on strengthening housing resilience.

The Insurance Council of Australia says a Queensland government draft planning policy paper appropriately reinforces the role land use decisions must play, including identifying natural hazard areas and avoiding places where risk cannot be mitigated to an acceptable or tolerable level.

But several aspects of the paper worry the industry, according to an ICA submission to the government.

The peak body says clarity is required on definitions for and the application of acceptable and tolerable risk; how the approach will undergo regular review to ensure it is applied appropriately, including by local governments; and accountability mechanisms for decisions taken.

Other measures flagged in the council’s submission include acknowledging that climate change considerations should cover all perils; that risk projections must at least extend to 2075 to accommodate the average 50-year life of a property; and that the protection of people and property is prioritised in new development.

“Queensland is the most disaster-affected state in the country and the high concentration of populations adjacent to the coast and along river courses make safe land use planning ... even more critical,” the ICA submission says.

Related article: Resilient homes scheme makes ‘real difference’ in flood zones

The state accounted for more than half of the 400,000-plus claims lodged for homes damaged in declared disasters between 2022 and this year.

“ICA and its members … acknowledge the Queensland government is attempting to balance demands relating to housing supply and costs of housing, which includes finding ways to streamline development outcomes,” the submission says.

“ICA believes the objectives of building in the right location to minimise natural hazard risks and increasing land supply can coexist.”

The Queensland government says the draft planning policy paper introduces several changes including a revised approach to natural hazards and resilience.

“Floods, bushfires and coastal erosion can put people at risk, damage homes and infrastructure, and affect communities, the economy and the environment,” the paper says.

“The state’s interest in natural hazards and safety is to ensure natural hazards are appropriately considered at all levels of the planning system, and that communities are better prepared to manage and respond to these hazards.”

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