Fraser Coast flood maps to be recalculated

Fraser Coast homes and businesses could be in for a rise in value or a reduction in insurance costs once local flood maps are updated to better reflect what actually goes under water. See what is planned

Multiple properties on the Fraser Coast could be in for a boost in value or a drop in insurance costs as the Fraser Coast Regional Council looks into remodelling the region’s flood maps.

At a council meeting on Wednesday, Deputy Mayor Paul Truscott asked that council investigate its existing flood modelling, as he believed it inaccurately predicted certain houses going underwater during floods.

He moved that the council be provided with a report on how the current flood level modelling maps could be improved, to more accurately reflect the observed flood levels during flood events.

Originally, the motion only specified Maryborough, but Mr Truscott amended the motion to include the entire region.

During the meeting, Mr Truscott tabled a flood map of the northern side of Maryborough, which showed suburbs like around Bell Hilltop and the airport inundated with water during floods which he said was “not the case”.

“This is affecting people’s insurance premiums,” he said.

Aerial view of the flooded city of Maryborough along the overflowing Mary River in 2022. AFP/ Queensland Police Services.

Mr Truscott said he has spoken to numerous real estate agents and residents who told him they had “lost property sales” due to the flood prediction maps.

He said the current flood maps could be “quite confusing” for people.

“We really need to ensure that this system is clarified,” Mr Truscott said.

Councillor Denis Chapman agreed with Mr Truscott that the flood maps should be “brought up to date”.

“It makes it a lot easier when people are selling properties,” Mr Chapman said.

Emma-Lee Lawson’s home insurance skyrocketed from $1966 a year to $16,418 a year. Photo: Contributed.

It comes as house insurance premiums increased for many homeowners across the region, particularly for Maryborough resident Emma-Lee Lawson.

The mother-of-two said she “felt sick” after seeing the staggering increase in her home insurance notice with Allianz, which skyrocketed from $1966 a year to $16,418 a year.

After speaking with Allianz Insurance about the increase, Ms Lawson said it was suggested to remove flood cover to reduce the cost - something she wanted to keep.

Ms Lawson has never made a claim on her home insurance, and the 2022 floods did not reach her home.

Queensland in general is preparing for a wet six months, with La Nina predicted to bring above average rainfall and flooding.

Aerial view of the 2022 Maryborough floods. Photo: AFP/ Queensland Police Services.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mr Truscott said people relied on the maps to buy houses and check if their property might get inundated with water during floods.

“I’ve seen a few examples where the map is just wrong...” he said.

“For those of us who have been in the area for decades, know that certain areas just don’t flood.”

Mr Truscott said it was important that council revisited the maps and how they could be fixed.

“There’s a lot of talk there could be a lot of weather coming, and with that in mind, we need to know where is it going to flood, and where can you expect to be dry,” he said.

Mr Truscott’s motion was supported unanimously by councillors.

Originally published as Fraser Coast flood maps to be recalculated