Floods, cyclones and storms across the country

Welcome to my first column in Australasian Paint & Panel. I will be using this space to give you the news about the Suncorp Group as well as talk about the wider issues facing both of our industries.

The most pressing issue at the moment is the extreme weather that has wrecked havoc across the country. From the floods, storms and cyclones in Queensland to the fires in Western Australia and the floods and storms in Victoria, the past couple of months have seen an astounding number of disasters on the back of a very busy past two years.

While flood tends to result in written-off vehicles and little additional work, the same cannot be said of the storms, cyclones and other events.

We’re working hard to support our affected customers, as well as our staff, some of whom have suffered terrible losses.

We are also aware that some Queensland smash repairers have been affected both personally and professionally by these events, which is why we’ve set up a hardship fund to help in partnership with MTA-Q.

Administered by the MTA-Q and supported by this magazine, the fund will award grants of up to $5000 to repairers who have been affected to spend on getting back on their feet.

Others in the industry are also being approached, and CarCraft has already provided $5000 to the fund.

More information can be found on page xxx and on the MTA-Q website at www.mtaq.com.au or by emailing us directly on repairers@suncorp.com.au.

Financial assistance is also available. Small businesses in flood affected Local Government Areas are eligible to receive grants of up to $25,000 for clean-up and flood recovery. Low interest loans of up to $250,000 are also available. Further details are available at www.qraa.qld.gov.au.

Banks also have a number of solutions to help get businesses back on their feet. For anyone with Suncorp, it has a dedicated Hardship Response Team ready to help on 1800 225 223. Other banks will likely have the same.

As an insurance company, we prepare for disasters as an everyday part of our business but that doesn’t make these events any less devastating. Our thoughts continue to be with those who have been affected.

As both a major employer and a major insurer in all the affected areas, especially Queensland, we will be playing an integral part in the rebuilding work alongside our repairer partners. To our repairer partners serving our customers during these difficult times, we thank you for your support.