SEQ Unprecedented Weather – What to do?

The weather in the last week across Southeast QLD has been nothing short of devastating. Strata properties affected need to act as communities relying upon their; Strata Managers, Building Managers, Committees and Insurers to coordinate initial make safe where needed then major repairs and insurance claim management.

In this article we will provide guidance on how to get in touch with your body corporate, sourcing trades and services, insurance claim lodgement, Government and Mental Health support available.

How do I contact my Body Corporate? 

Most strata properties have a professional strata manager engaged to assist the Committee with administering the body corporate and its common property. Their contact details can be found on any notices you have previously received or if you search their name, in most cases you will find their website with how to contact them.

Smart Strata foundation partner Archers the Strata Professionals have their team of strata managers on standby ready to assist. Once contact is made, they will liaise with the appointed Committee on action required keeping you informed of progress as instructions are received to act.

Many larger properties also have an on-site Building Manager in place to coordinate repairs to the common property. This is who you should report any damage to direct and they will work with the Committee and Body Corporate Manager as required to arrange repairs. If you don’t have either, the appointed Committee will be your contact to coordinate your requests and should have their contact details on notices they previously issued to you.

How do I find trades and services? 

Smart Strata have taken the hard work out of that for you and have a list of industry suppliers available here – https://smartstrata.com/industry-suppliers/

The trades and services listed within the supplier portal specialise in providing services to strata buildings. They are familiar with how strata communities work, especially when costs need to be separated for common property, personal property and for insurance claim purposes.

Insurance claims, what should I be doing? 

In many instances there will be damage claimable under either the building or the individual lot contents policy.

Smart Strata foundation partner  Marsh Advantage Insurance is supporting their clients and communities affected by the worst flooding in over a decade across South East QLD.

Marsh have provided some tips to help make the claims and recovery process as efficient as possible   

• If required due to safety concerns, to reduce further damage or to recover, you can start the clean-up process before an insurance company assesses the damage. This is particularly important where flood waters have inundated your property to prevent further costs developing from mould build up. If you have already started the clean up process ensure that you take photos of any damaged property as this will form evidence of the damage for the insurance company in a claim.
• Temporary Accommodation for Owner-Occupiers and Loss of Rent Cover for investors are typically covered under the body corporate’s insurance policy where dwellings are uninhabitable due to an insurable event.
• When corresponding with your broker via email ensure you provide details of your Building Name and Unit Number
• New claims can be submitted for Marsh clients by going to the Forms Section on the Archers the Strata Professionals website
• Support all costs you wish to claim with appropriate documentation such as receipts and quotations.
• If you are unsure if the damage is covered by the Body Corporate or your personal contents policy, you can read FAQ’s Here.

The Marsh team have mobilised to support their many clients affected by interruption and loss, helping the road to recovery. In this time of loss they understand that emotions are strained and ask that when enquiring, you exercise patients and respect with team members in place to help clients while they are also dealing with being personally affected by flooding of their own homes as Brisbane locals.

They are working closely with Owners, Committee and Building Managers, as well as the insurance companies to ensure that any damage is assessed as quickly as possible. Many insurance companies are working proactively with Marsh to appoint Loss Assessors but have indicated that due to the extent of the flooding, getting the Assessors around to each building is going to take some requiring your patience.

If you have been impacted, gather information and evidence of the loss or damage and speak to a Marsh team member – we’re here to help.

Sunshine Coast & Gold Coast Regions

Syna Hickmott

07 5458 4524

syna.hickmott@marshadvantage.com

Brisbane Regions

Kristie Wong

07 3220 9419

kristie.wong@marshadvantage.com

Brisbane Regions

Stuart Nissen

07 3220 9423

stuart.nissen@marshadvantage.com

Government Information Assistance

Despite the rain easing in the last few days additional rain is still being predicted so we encourage everyone to stay up to date by visiting on the Queensland Government Website. This website provides great information on:

• Disaster Payments
• Weather Warnings
• Traffic alerts, road closures and conditions
• How to donate to those affected and volunteer in the clean up

The Australian Government has also announced a Southeast QLD Floods, Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment which includes a lump sum payment to help people seriously affected by the floods starting in February 2022.

You have until 1 September 2022 in QLD to make a claim for the following Local Government Areas:

QLD:

• Brisbane
• Bundaberg
• Fraser Coast
• Gladstone
• Gold Coast
• Goondiwindi
• Gympie
• Ipswich
• Lockyer Valley
• Logan
• Moreton Bay
• Noosa
• North Burnett
• Redland
• Scenic Rim
• Somerset
• South Burnett
• Southern Downs
• Sunshine Coast
• Toowoomba
• Western Downs.

Whilst the loss of property and personal belongings is devastating, it is also important to ensure that your mental health is supported during these tough times. If you have been affected by the floods and need support, we encourage you to contact the White Cloud Foundation. White Cloud is a completely free tele-mental health service with no referral required, no mental health plan needed and no need to travel. If you are struggling please contact them on 07 3155 3456.

The Smart Strata team