A Minute With The Mayor Ramon Jayo Insurance Affordability Remains a Major Concern

One of the most common concerns I hear from residents across the Hinchinbrook Shire is the rising cost of insurance.

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Whether it's homeowners, families, retirees, farmers or small business owners, more people are telling us that insurance is becoming increasingly difficult to afford. For some, it is no longer just a financial inconvenience. It is becoming a significant source of stress and uncertainty.

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To better understand the challenges facing our community, Council recently undertook the Hinchinbrook Insurance Affordability and Availability Survey 2026. More than 300 residents took the time to share their experiences, providing valuable insight into the real impacts insurance costs are having across our region.

The findings paint a concerning picture.

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More than three-quarters of respondents reported insurance premiums are unaffordable, while many also identified high excesses, limited insurer choice and concerns surrounding flood insurance as major issues. Many residents indicated they have reduced their level of cover, increased their excesses or are considering going without certain insurance products altogether to manage rising household costs.

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The survey also highlighted widespread concern that insurance pricing does not always reflect the individual circumstances of a property. Many residents believe resilience measures such as raising homes, improving drainage, strengthening buildings and undertaking flood mitigation works should be better recognised when premiums are calculated.

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Importantly, this survey was undertaken as part of Council's ongoing recovery and advocacy efforts following the February 2025 flooding event. As our community continues to rebuild and strengthen its resilience, access to affordable and appropriate insurance remains a critical issue.

Council recognises that affordable insurance is about more than protecting buildings. It is about supporting confidence, financial security and the long-term resilience of our communities.

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On behalf of Council, I would like to sincerely thank everyone who took the time to complete the survey. The strong response from across the Shire demonstrates how important this issue is to our community. Your feedback has provided Council with valuable information that will strengthen our advocacy efforts and help ensure the experiences of Hinchinbrook residents are heard in discussions with governments, regulators and the insurance industry.

The findings of the Hinchinbrook Insurance Affordability and Availability Survey 2026 will be formally noted by Council at next week's Ordinary Meeting of Council and will help guide our ongoing advocacy with governments, industry stakeholders and insurance providers.

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The message from our community is clear: regional residents want fairer insurance outcomes, greater transparency and pricing that recognises individual property risk and resilience measures.

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Council will continue advocating strongly on behalf of our residents to ensure the voices of Hinchinbrook are heard and considered in future discussions around insurance affordability, availability and reform.

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