Farm Insurance Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

$30 Billion Flood Defence Fund Proposed in Election Agenda

$30 Billion Flood Defence Fund Proposed in Election Agenda

$30 Billion Flood Defence Fund Proposed in Election Agenda?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has unveiled its election platform, urging the federal government to significantly enhance flood defences by establishing a $30.15 billion flood defence fund.
This initiative, highlighted as the primary recommendation, seeks to mitigate the catastrophic impact of floods, which are deemed as Australia’s most financially damaging natural disaster.

According to ICA’s proposal, the flood defence fund would be strategically allocated over a ten-year period, with financial responsibilities shared between federal, New South Wales, Queensland, and Victorian governments, as these areas have been identified with the highest flood exposure. The allocation plan includes $15 billion for new flood defence infrastructure, $5 billion to reinforce vulnerable properties, $10 billion for property buyback schemes, and $150 million invested in enhancing current flood mitigation infrastructure.

In addition to flood management, the ICA's platform outlines reforms across various areas, such as optimizing land use planning, introducing rigorous regulatory measures, enhancing building resilience, ensuring consistent investment in the Disaster Ready Fund, and addressing ongoing challenges within the motor repair sector.

As ICA CEO Andrew Hall articulates in the report’s introduction, the previous year saw Australia’s general insurance sector underpinning household and business stability with 41 million policies issued and claims exceeding $32 billion. However, he warns that escalating risks and costs are undermining the affordability and effectiveness of insurance, further compounded by the current cost-of-living crisis, which intensifies pressures on both families and businesses. Hall emphasizes that addressing these issues is imperative and requires decisive action.

The proposed fund is crucial as it directly addresses the financial burdens associated with flood damage, which can devastate community infrastructure, homes, and businesses. By investing in preventive and mitigative measures, the fund aims to reduce the frequency and severity of flood impacts, potentially lowering insurance premiums in high-risk areas and enhancing the overall resilience of Australian cities and towns.

If adopted, the fund could lead to substantial infrastructure projects in flood-prone regions, enhancing community protection and possibly setting a precedent for future climate adaptation policies. The insurance sector, along with state and federal governments, will need to collaborate closely to ensure effective implementation of proposed measures. Additionally, the emphasis on regulatory improvements and infrastructure resilience signals a broader push towards sustainable urban development, aligning economic security with environmental stewardship.

Published:Tuesday, 4th Mar 2025
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Nutrien Ag Solutions Tops Roy Morgan's Trusted Agribusiness Survey
Nutrien Ag Solutions Tops Roy Morgan's Trusted Agribusiness Survey
27 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
In a significant development within the Australian agricultural sector, Nutrien Ag Solutions has been recognised as the nation's most trusted agribusiness, according to the latest Roy Morgan survey. This marks the first time Nutrien has achieved this distinction, overtaking Elders, a longstanding leader in the industry. - read more
Australian Sheep Industry's $139.8 Million Transition Plan in Full Swing
Australian Sheep Industry's $139.8 Million Transition Plan in Full Swing
27 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian sheep industry is making significant strides in its $139.8 million transition plan, aimed at modernising and strengthening the sector. Recent weeks have seen the release of several grant programs under the Sheep Industry Transition Assistance Package (SITAP), providing much-needed support to farmers and associated businesses. - read more
PGA of Western Australia Back on Track After Financial Turmoil
PGA of Western Australia Back on Track After Financial Turmoil
27 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
The Pastoralists and Graziers Association of Western Australia (PGA) has successfully navigated a period of financial uncertainty, emerging stronger after addressing internal financial irregularities. The organisation's commitment to transparency and effective management has been pivotal in restoring confidence among its members and the broader agricultural community. - read more
Rising Insurance Premiums Pose Financial Challenges for Australian Farmers
Rising Insurance Premiums Pose Financial Challenges for Australian Farmers
27 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
Australian farmers are currently facing significant financial challenges due to a sharp increase in insurance premiums. Reports indicate that some farmers have experienced a 20% rise in premiums over the past year, a trend largely attributed to the escalating risks associated with climate change. This surge in costs is prompting a concerning number of farmers to reconsider their insurance coverage, with some opting to forgo it entirely, thereby exposing themselves to substantial financial risk. - read more
Positive Trends Boost Confidence in Australia's Rural Property Market
Positive Trends Boost Confidence in Australia's Rural Property Market
27 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
Australia's rural property market is witnessing a resurgence in confidence, driven by a combination of favourable seasonal conditions, robust livestock markets, and the prospect of further interest rate cuts. This positive shift is encouraging both investors and farmers to re-engage with the market, signaling a potential upswing in rural property transactions. - read more
Empowering the Future: Rural Aid's Initiative to Support Young Australian Farmers
Empowering the Future: Rural Aid's Initiative to Support Young Australian Farmers
27 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
Rural Aid has launched a compelling new fundraising campaign designed to secure the future of rural Australia by supporting the next generation of farmers. This initiative seeks to address the challenges faced by young and aspiring farmers, ensuring the sustainability and growth of the nation's agricultural sector. - read more


Farm Insurance Articles

From Droughts to Floods: Understanding Weather-Related Coverage in Farm Insurance
From Droughts to Floods: Understanding Weather-Related Coverage in Farm Insurance
Australian farmers face a unique set of challenges due to the vast and varied climate conditions that sweep across the continent. From the scorching heat and prolonged droughts of the Outback to the tropical storms and torrential rains of the northern regions, weather-related risks are an integral part of agricultural life in Australia. - read more
Agroforestry Insurance Guide: Protecting Your Investment in Australia's Sustainable Future
Agroforestry Insurance Guide: Protecting Your Investment in Australia's Sustainable Future
Agroforestry is a transformative approach to land management that integrates trees into agricultural landscapes. In Australia, where farmers contend with variable climates and environmental challenges, agroforestry offers a resilient pathway to productivity and sustainability. - read more
How to Safeguard Your Farm: A Guide for Australian Farmers
How to Safeguard Your Farm: A Guide for Australian Farmers
Farming is inherently risky. With factors like weather, pests, and market fluctuations affecting crops, it's crucial to manage these risks effectively. - read more
The Digital Farmer's Guide to Insuring Your Agribusiness in the Tech Age
The Digital Farmer's Guide to Insuring Your Agribusiness in the Tech Age
Welcome to the defining era where technology and agriculture entwine, bringing forth the digital farmer's era. With the evolution of agribusiness in the tech age, comes an array of new tools, opportunities, and risks. As a custodian of the earth and steward of the latest innovations, safeguarding your digital farm is just as crucial as nurturing your crops and livestock. - read more
Tractors, Livestock, and Crops: Tailoring Your Farm Insurance to Fit Your Needs
Tractors, Livestock, and Crops: Tailoring Your Farm Insurance to Fit Your Needs
Welcome to the world of farming, where the fruits of your labor are as tangible as the soil you till. But just as the land is subject to the whims of nature, so too is the business of agriculture. This is where farm insurance becomes essential. Farmers face a set of challenges and uncertainties unlike any other industry, primarily due to the unpredictable forces of weather. - read more
Understanding Farm Equipment Insurance: A Breakdown for Australian Farmers
Understanding Farm Equipment Insurance: A Breakdown for Australian Farmers
In the dynamic world of Australian agriculture, farm equipment plays a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of farms. From tractors to harvesters, having the right machinery means managing your farm more efficiently. However, the high value of this equipment makes it essential to protect it adequately through insurance. - read more
A Farmer's Guide to Essential Farm Insurance Terminology
A Farmer's Guide to Essential Farm Insurance Terminology
Farming is a vital industry in Australia, requiring significant investment in equipment, crops, livestock, and labour. As with any major investment, protecting it is crucial. That's where farm insurance comes in. - read more
Risk Management and Insurance Options for Farmers
Risk Management and Insurance Options for Farmers
Risk management is the practice of identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks followed by coordinated efforts to minimize, monitor, and control the probability or impact of unfortunate events. In farming, risk management involves various strategies to protect the financial health and operational stability of the farm. - read more
Investing in Your Farm's Legacy: Estate Planning and Farm Insurance Combined
Investing in Your Farm's Legacy: Estate Planning and Farm Insurance Combined
Farming is much more than an occupation; it's a way of life and a heritage that often spans generations. In today's ever-evolving agricultural landscape, embracing modern practices while preserving your farm's future has never been more crucial. Estate planning emerges as a pivotal strategy for safeguarding your agricultural legacy, ensuring that your hard-earned investments and the land you hold dear are passed on according to your wishes. - read more
Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Insuring Your Farm Equipment
Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Insuring Your Farm Equipment
In the world of agriculture, having the right insurance coverage is essential. Farming is a high-risk industry that deals with unpredictable elements, and insuring your farm equipment can safeguard your livelihood. - read more


Need a Quote?
Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.
Farm Type:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided obligation-free by a participating broker from our national referral partner network. We respect your Privacy.


Knowledgebase
Grace Period:
A time period after the premium is due during which an insurance policy remains in force even if the premium has not yet been paid.