The buildings caught up in Cyclone Debbie were estimated to have experienced wind speeds lower than their relevant design wind speed.
However, there were many observations of damage to contemporary construction.
For example, damage ranged from a few instances of major structural failures of roof structure, through to damage of many cases of internal linings from wind driven rain water ingress via damaged flashings or water via windows and doors.
A report provides recommendations to improve the performance of building structure and cladding systems including: adequate detailing for roof to wall connections; improved fixing of flashings, retrofitting options for older buildings; improvements in windows and door furniture under repeated wind loads; and revision of storm surge guidelines.
The Northern Australia Insurance Inquiry is on until 21 Dec 2017.
Help to address concerns about insurance affordability, promote more informed and more competitive insurance markets and make a difference for consumers in northern Australia.
The law gives the ACCC power to get information from insurers that other reviews have not been able to get. They will also look more closely at the level of competition between insurers than other reviews have been able to.
