Suncorp has committed A$500,000 (approximately US$317,000) to aid recovery efforts following ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, with funds directed towards both immediate relief and long-term community rebuilding.
The insurer’s recovery package includes an A$200,000 contribution to the Australian Red Cross Cyclone Alfred Appeal, aimed at providing urgent assistance, and A$300,000 for the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) to support local recovery initiatives.
Suncorp CEO Steve Johnston emphasised the importance of community-led recovery efforts. He also highlighted the company’s ongoing collaboration with FRRR since 2021.
Johnston also revealed that the firm has deployed “assessors and builders actively working across the 33 affected local government areas and have established customer support teams in community recovery centres. Our Mobile Disaster Response Hubs are in Milton Suncorp Stadium and South Tweed Heads, where our teams are ready to assist customers with their claims and provide the necessary support face-to-face.”
As of 17 March, the insurer has received more than 20,700 claims, including around 19,000 for homes. Over 6,000 food spoilage claims have already been finalised, enabling customers to replace lost food.
Suncorp is also continuing support efforts in North and Far North Queensland, which experienced severe flooding in February. “Since the event our assessors and builders have remained focused on progressing claims and carrying out repairs,” Johnston said. The insurer’s customer support team is scheduled to return to Ingham this week to assist affected residents.
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred made landfall near Brisbane on 7 March. The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has reported that the total claims made so far related to the weather event has reached around 63,000 as of writing.
