Federation Chamber
Monday 9 November 2020

On Saturday 31 October, when Queenslanders were voting in the state election, over 1,700 properties in the Springfield Lakes and Ipswich area, which fall into the Oxley and Blair electorates, were affected by severe storms and hail damage. Some areas reported hailstones of up to 14 centimetres—the size of shotputs. Hundreds of families have been displaced out of their homes for six to 12 months indefinitely.

In a year when people have reduced their insurance premiums due to COVID, this unexpected natural disaster has left so many Australians completely displaced. Last week I spoke with distressed residents in my electorate to assure them that we are looking after them and doing everything we can. We're talking about $200 million in insurance claims already. I have let residents know that I will be standing with them to ensure they are looked after at this tragic time, when their houses have been completely collapsed and their belongings have been totally ruined alongside cars and other valuable items. Some are yet to find accommodation.

Having written to the Prime Minister and spoken with Minister David Littleproud last week, I'm hopeful that the federal government can offer more financial support to residents and local businesses. I visited the recovery centre at Springfield Lakes a couple of times last week alongside our state member, Charis Mullen, and our Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk. I'm pleased to see state funding come through. I want to thank all the volunteers at the YMCA, particularly Bec Andlemac; the school principal, Greg Corrigan; the mayor, Councillor Teresa Harding; all the SES volunteers; the fire brigade; and the ambos who have been on site to help residents. To Springfield Lakes residents: we won't leave you behind.