Electors of the division of South Brisbane draws to the attention of the House to the exclusion of apartment buildings from eligibility for Resilient Home Grants for financial assistance for flood damage and resilience modifications.

Apartment buildings in the Kurilpa peninsula are built on the flood plains and many experienced flooding of basement car parks with loss of power and operation of lifts, and damage to property and possessions. 

The recurring inundation of these spaces is inevitable as evident from the 2011 and 2022 floods. Climate change predictions are more frequent and severe floods with increasing restitution costs. Further, Brisbane City Council’s announcement for significant increases in apartment buildings in South Brisbane will increase the number of flood exposed residents.

Indicative restitution for a 330-unit complex are approximately $800-900K when including reconditioning of the lifts and lift wells. Personal property damage may be similar. Also the cost to Council for clean-up is substantial. Not all unit owners or residents have an ‘ability to pay’. The financial status of apartment owners varies widely within an apartment complex and between different apartment complexes. 

Investment in flood resilience works, based on professional recommendations, will reduce flood impacts and the economic, social and environmental risks for residents and the broader community. 

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to include apartment buildings in the criteria for financial assistance from Queensland State Government whether through the extension of the existing Resilient Home Grants or a specific grant to meet their needs.