Mayor to lead insurance roundtable
Date published: 13 March 2019
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill is convening a roundtable of insurance company representatives and local industry groups to discuss issues with the flood recovery.
Cr Hill will again raise concerns directly with the insurance industry – she spoke out about the treatment of small businesses after a previous meeting with the Insurance Council of Australia last month.
“Insurance companies have a crucial role to play across the city as families and businesses rebuild,” Cr Hill said.
“People are relying on these companies to get back on their feet so we need them to be good corporate citizens.
“Small businesses, whether they are suppliers or tradespeople are crucial to the city’s economic recovery.”
Townsville Local Recovery and Resilience Group (TLRRG) Chair Deputy Mayor Les Walker said insurers need to play an active and responsible role in the recovery.
“Properties across the city need multiple tradespeople and we want to prioritise local workers,” Cr Walker said
“A crucial part of this recovery is keeping the jobs in Townsville – that way the money stays in the community and we all benefit.”
Industry representative and senior principal for Brazier Motti, Stephen Motti, said it was important for insurers to understand their responsibilities to the local community.
“Unfortunately we’re seeing a number of local builders and suppliers unable to get work given southern arrangements,” Mr Motti said.
“We’re keen to ensure communication channels remain open and we showcase the capacity of those in the region. We’re also working to set up an NQ Panel of providers who can be drawn from when needed.”
The Mayor and Deputy Mayor will meet insurance representatives on Friday morning between 7am and 10am.
