November 6th, 2021Tree changers not thinking about natural disasters

Suncorp research has found 27 per cent of Australians have moved or considered relocating during COVID. And although experts are predicting more cyclones, fires and floods this summer, half failed to consider the impacts of natural disasters.
The inaugural Suncorp Resilient Home Report found lifestyle factors (closeness to family and friends, climate, escaping the rat race) were the main drivers of Australians seeking to relocate to another state or region.
Alarmingly almost half (46 per cent) said they didn’t take into consideration the increasing risks of extreme weather when deciding on where to live, and even more (52 per cent) didn’t consider the impacts when selecting the type of home to live in.

“As an insurer, we’re on the frontline helping people and communities most impacted by weather disasters,” said Bernadette Norrie, Suncorp Insurance Executive Manager. “It’s not just property damage that Aussies face in the wake of a natural disaster, it’s the mental toll of severe weather events that many people fail to realise and properly consider.
“Once a disaster strikes, the lives of those affected can be upended completely. Many families can be displaced from their homes while repairs happen, people lose irreplaceable possessions, and are left with the emotional scars of what they’ve endured.
“Identifying the natural hazards of where you plan to live as well as the type of structure that can best defend your family against a bushfire, flood or storm needs to be an essential part of property research,” Ms Norrie said.
Suncorp research also found that one in five did not consider the frequency or severity of natural disasters before making their sea/ tree change.
The Suncorp Resilient Home Report revealed over half of Australians (52 per cent) believe they live in an area with some form of risk – the most common being severe storms (30 per cent) followed by bushfires (29 per cent).
More than two thirds (64 per cent) admit that extreme weather events in recent years have made them more aware of the risks, however only one in four have made modifications to their home to protect against natural disasters.
“Getting ready for extreme weather is more than just checking gutters for leaves and trees and tying down backyard furniture, it’s about making your home more resilient, so you are better protected from the impacts of Mother Nature.” Ms Norrie said.