Queensland transport operators impacted by flooding are being encouraged to lodge a claim as soon as it’s safe to do so, and access complimentary trauma counselling, to help them through this tough time.
Australia’s largest provider of transport and logistics insurance, NTI, has already received claims for truck and marine operators in the state’s north but NTI Chief Claims Officer, Alan Hasted, said many customers were still cut off from their homes and places of business.
“The number one priority now must be safety, and our thoughts are with everyone currently dealing with this flooding crisis,” Hasted said.
“While our focus is always the safety of people first, we know many customers will be concerned about recouping losses and resuming business operations as quickly as possible.
“We are encouraging anyone impacted to lodge a claim when appropriate. We’re also reminding our customers that trauma counselling is available for that additional support.”
With wet weather conditions expected to continue, transport and logistics operators are also being encouraged to:
• Check road closures and weather conditions prior to any journeys.
• Devise alternate driving routes to avoid impacted and high-risk areas.
• Ensure all staff are aware of emergency procedures and have key contact details.
• Where possible, obtain copies of important business documents including a Business Continuity Plan, and any back up files or servers.
• Only if safe to do so, move, store, or secure any vehicles, equipment, machinery, or cargo that has not yet been affected and may be exposed to this ongoing weather event.
For as quick an outcome as possible, customers are advised to share as much information as possible when lodging their claim, including the date, time, and location of the weather event impacting them, and clear, detailed images of damaged items and water levels.
“Please continue to follow the advice of local SES and emergency crews and follow weather alerts and warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology,” Hasted said.
“Please know we are here to help whenever you are ready to make a claim.”
Claims can be lodged and managed online via NTI NOW or by contacting the 1800 NTI NOW service on 1800 684 669.
Earlier this week the state government also announced that Queensland primary producers and small businesses in seven northern council areas were eligible for freight subsidies of up to $5000 for the movement of stock, feed, machinery, fuel, water and building or fencing materials.
The announcement of the freight subsidies is part of the wider loan and assistance package that also includes direct assistance loans up to $250,000 and essential working capital loans up to $100,000 are also available to eligible operators.
The cheap loans and subsidies are aimed to help with the cost of repairing damaged equipment, loss of income, replacement of stock and continuity of operations.
They have been activated in the local government areas (LGAs) of Burdekin, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Townsville and Yarrabah.
“Farmers, businesses and not-for-profit organisations are central to the North Queensland community, and we know that heavy rainfall and severe flooding has made it difficult for them to stay open,” Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said.
“We’re moving quickly to activate financial assistance for impacted communities.”