Insurance & Risk Management for Cyclone Recovery in North Queensland

By Trent Sampson

Introduction

When a cyclone tears through North Queensland, the immediate damage is devastating—but the real test begins the next day. Power is down, roads are cut, bookings are cancelled, and staff are scattered. For businesses across the region—motels, caravan parks, farms, transport firms, and SMEs—the question is: how fast can we get back up and running?

The difference between months of hardship and a swift recovery usually comes down to two things: pre-season risk preparation and insurance that actually matches your exposure. This article sets out practical steps for resilience and explains the key insurance covers that matter most for cyclone country.

Part 1 – Preparing Before the Season

Critical Asset Audit

• Roof tie-downs and guttering checks.

• Electrical switchboards above flood lines.

• Generator capacity and fuel logistics.

• Refrigeration and chiller backups.

• IT/cloud backups tested and accessible.

• Vehicles and plant relocation plan.

Documentation

• Photo/video evidence of condition.

• Stock counts, maintenance logs, contracts.

• Last 24 months of P&L for business interruption claims.

People & Communications

• Staff contact tree and rosters for storm lead-up and recovery.

• Pre-written SMS/email templates for customers.

• Clear spokesperson for media/community updates.

Part 2 – During and After the Storm

Safety First

• Follow official evacuation orders.

• Avoid entering damaged structures until cleared.

• Keep generator use safe—carbon monoxide is deadly.

Evidence and Mitigation

• Record all damage before clean-up.

• Keep a log of times, costs, and contractors used.

• Temporary tarping, boarding, and pumping counts as mitigation and is often claimable.

Part 3 – Insurance Covers That Matter

Property / ISR

• Covers cyclone wind, water ingress, storm surge (check definitions).

• Includes debris removal, demolition, and increased cost of working.

Business Interruption (BI)

• Protects cash flow while income stops.

• Choose indemnity periods carefully—12 months may not be enough in NQ.

• Add AICOW (Additional Increased Cost of Working) for temporary premises or cold storage.

Flood & Storm Surge

• Understand the difference—some policies exclude one or the other.

Machinery Breakdown & Stock Deterioration

• Critical for hospitality and food service sectors.

Liability & Management Liability

• Protects against third-party injury on damaged premises and regulatory exposures.

Motor & Plant

• Relocation of vehicles/plant is vital. Ensure policies cover inundation.

Part 4 – Claims Strategy

• Lodge early with a clear damage summary.

• Get quotes—at least two where possible.

• Separate emergency works from permanent rebuild.

• Provide financial evidence for BI claims.

• Stay in contact with your broker to escalate bottlenecks.

Part 5 – Lessons Learned

• Update risk registers post-event.

• Invest in roof upgrades, surge protection, plant relocation.

• Adjust BI indemnity period if recovery took longer than expected.

• Explore parametric insurance for rapid cash injections (see Release 3).

Conclusion

Cyclones are unavoidable, but long downtime doesn’t have to be. With disciplined preparation, the right insurance covers, and a sharp claims strategy, North Queensland businesses can recover faster, protect jobs, and maintain customer confidence.

👉 Contact Wideland Insurance Brokers via [Link: Contact WLIB] to review your cyclone readiness before the next season begins.

About Trent Sampson

With over 30 years of experience in insurance, financial advice, and business leadership, Trent Sampson is the driving force behind WebInsure Pty Ltd—a regional-first insurance brokerage network delivering national strength with local values.

Trent began his career in 1992 as a Colonial Mutual Adviser in Moree, NSW, where his focus on ethical service and relationship-driven advice quickly earned the trust of clients and peers alike.

After moving to Toowoomba in 1999, Trent built a successful financial planning business. But it was the 2002 acquisition of PRP Insurance Brokers in Ipswich—reopened to meet the growing general insurance needs of rural Queensland—that marked the start of WebInsure as we know it today. Now based on the Sunshine Coast, WebInsure supports thousands of clients across Australia.

A Vision Grounded in Expertise

• ✅ Qualified Practising Insurance Broker (QPIB)

• ✅ Certified Insurance Professional (CIP) – Senior Associate of ANZIIF

• ✅ Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning

• ✅ Member of the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA)

• ✅ Longstanding contributor to insurance mentoring and professional development initiatives

Founder of the WebInsure Group

• Wideland Insurance Brokers

• Granite Belt Insurance Brokers

• Gold Coast Insurance Brokers

• Ipswich Insurance Brokers

• WebInsure Head Office

WebInsure is proudly a member of Steadfast—Australasia’s largest broker network—and an Authorised Representative of Community Broker Network (CBN), giving clients access to powerful insurer relationships, claims support, and pricing leverage.

“We’ve built a group that’s big enough to make a difference but small enough to care deeply about each client.”

Beyond the Office: A Leader on and off the Field

Trent has volunteered as a junior and senior hockey coach, mentoring players, organising grassroots competitions, and helping young athletes develop confidence, discipline, and teamwork.

Guiding Values

• ✅ Integrity before profit

• ✅ Regional empowerment

• ✅ Support the next generation

• ✅ Relationships are everything

Let’s Connect

📍 Based on the Sunshine Coast, supporting a national network
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