Long Term Disaster Mitigation in the Spotlight as Victoria & Far North Queensland Battle Extreme Weather

NIBA stands in solidarity with impacted communities across Victoria and Far North Queensland as they face severe weather conditions. Parts of Victoria are battling severe bushfires and Far North Queensland is recovering from the aftermath of flooding following ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji.

NIBA recognises the enormous efforts of local support crews, community groups and response agencies helping people stay safe and begin the recovery process.

A State of Disaster has been declared in Victoria. Both the state and federal government are providing essential support to communities hit by the January bushfires. This aid will help with both immediate and long-term recovery needs.

In Victoria, emergency relief payments are available to help cover the costs of essentials like food, clothing, medication and accommodation. Eligible homeowners and renters can access a maximum of $52,250 to get back into a home when they have been impacted by serious damage. This helps people in the community who do not have the financial means to re-establish their homes after a disaster.

People who have been impacted by the bushfires may also be eligible for an Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment. This is a one off, non-means tested lump sum payment of $1,000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children.

More information can be found on the Victorian Government website.

Financial assistance is also available for people impacted by the Northern Queensland Rainfall and Flooding event that began on 24 December 2025.

From Tuesday 13 January, the Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) is available to eligible people in the following local government areas: Burke, Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Croydon, Doomadgee, Etheridge, Flinders, McKinlay, Mount Isa, Richmond and Winton.

The DRA provides up to 13 weeks of income support for workers and sole traders who have lost income as a direct result of flooding and severe weather.

More information on support for Queensland communities can be found here.

The Case for Long-Term Disaster Mitigation

As professionals at the frontline of risk management, brokers witness the growing challenges faced by households, businesses, and communities in managing the impacts of increasing natural disasters.

With premiums predicted to rise to levels that would make 1 in 25 homes "effectively uninsurable" in just five years' time, it is vital that action is taken to address the key barriers that contribute to the affordability and accessibility challenges currently faced by Australians.

A proactive approach to disaster mitigation, focused on long-term investments at both community and household levels, will reduce the impact of natural disasters, enhance resilience, and alleviate the financial pressures that increase insurance premiums.

NIBA’s 2025/26 Pre-Budget Submission outlines three key recommendations to achieve these outcomes:

•    Expanding the Disaster Ready Fund
•    Introducing a national co-funded household mitigation scheme
•    Creating an advisory committee to address emerging risks.  

Together these measures represent a critical investment in Australia’s future, helping to strengthen household and community resilience, improve insurance affordability and ensure communities and businesses can thrive in the face of growing challenges.