Victorian Resilient Homes Initiative Supported by Insurance Council

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has expressed strong support for a Victorian initiative proposing a resilient homes scheme, akin to those currently operating in New South Wales and Queensland.

This recommendation emerged from a comprehensive inquiry into climate resilience conducted by Victoria's Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee, which presented 93 findings alongside 82 recommendations this week.

Core proposals from the inquiry emphasise the incorporation of "build back better" principles into post-disaster funding and the establishment of a centralised system for updating flood modelling, ensuring that these outcomes are integrated into planning frameworks. A resilient homes program, similar to those in other states that include federal partnership and funding for raising, rebuilding, or relocating homes, is also advocated.

The ICA highlights that the inquiry's findings resonate with its advocacy for fortified climate resilience. These recommendations mirror another investigation into the 2022 floods in Victoria, which also suggested implementing a resilient homes initiative. The ICA has urged the Victorian government to adopt these resilience-oriented proposals, especially advocating for a buyback scheme targeting properties at extreme flood risk without viable protective measures.

Ryan Batchelor, the chair of the inquiry, underscored the detrimental effects of climate change on Victoria’s infrastructure, citing issues from hotter summers and extended bushfire seasons to more intense rainfall and coastal erosion. The scientific testimony presented to the committee accentuated the urgency of state-wide climate adaptability measures.

The committee's investigation, which spanned testimony from over 130 witnesses and involved extensive public hearings across regional Victoria, revealed significant challenges posed by escalating insurance costs and decreasing availability. Properties newly classified as high-risk under updated climate overlays face increased premiums, policy exclusions, and financial pressures, threatening the efficacy of recovery and adaptation efforts.

With these findings, the report calls for a strategic approach to mitigate these challenges, ensuring that homeowners, businesses, and local governments can sustain and strengthen climate resilience in Victoria.

Published:Monday, 18th Aug 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

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