The Queensland Government has revealed the extent of the damage to homes and businesses in South East Queensland following the recent severe rainfall and flooding.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said in the past two weeks over 16,500 assessments of homes and commercial buildings had been undertaken.
"The recent flooding seen in South East Queensland has been a catastrophic event on a scale we haven't seen since 2011," The Premier said.
"The Insurance Council of Australia have advised that more than 70,000 private insurance claims have already been received reaching $1 billion, with residents and businesses in these areas suffering significant damage to their cars, homes and properties.
"Of the more than 16,500 assessments undertaken on homes and commercial buildings, nearly half have some level of impact, with over 1,800 assessed as having severe levels of damage, over 2,500 with moderate damage and nearly 3,500 with minor levels of damage.
"Many properties have suffered costly water damage, from flooding as well as from roof leaks that developed during the heavy, sustained rainfall.
"My government will use this information and work closely with impacted councils, insurers and the building industry to see Queensland communities recover."
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Steven Miles said the 16,500 assessments were undertaken by the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES), supported by staff from the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA).
"Over the last two weeks, officers have been going street-by-street, house-by-house and business-by-business in impacted areas, inspecting the damage and surveying residents and owners about a range of issues, including accessibility to water and electricity, to determine the true extent of the damage," Mr Miles said.
"While some of these properties will be repaired quickly, others may be uninhabitable for months, if not longer.
"Queensland Government owned assets weren't immune either, with over 4,400 assessed as being damaged.
"Of these, 85 State Schools were damaged, with six unable to fully reopen (Milton State School; Rocklea State School; Milperra State High School; Aviation High; One Mile State School; and St Helens State School).
"The information collected during this assessment will be shared with state agencies, impacted councils and other stakeholders to inform the ongoing recovery efforts."
