The Insurance Council of Australia will host a community information evening in Ingham, Queensland, following significant floods in the region last month.

However, a separate roundtable arranged by Financial Services Minister Stephen Jones, and set to take place earlier the same day, has now been cancelled.

ICA says more than 7000 claims have been lodged cross Townsville, Ingham, Innisfail, Mission Beach and Cardwell. Its information session on March 6 will help policyholders with the recovery process including claims and complaints. Representatives from Legal Aid and Financial Counselling Australia will also be available.

Following a Q&A, policyholders will have an opportunity to meet one-on-one with their insurer to discuss their claims.

“The storms and flooding that impacted parts of north Queensland earlier this month caused widespread damage to properties, businesses and infrastructure,” ICA director mitigation and extreme weather response Liam Walter said.

“While insurers are already assisting impacted customers in their recovery, we understand that having the opportunity to hear from representatives in person and ask questions can be invaluable in understanding the claims process and helping people get back on their feet.”

insuranceNEWS.com.au understands that a roundtable, called by Mr Jones and similar to that held following Cyclone Jasper early last year, was set to take place on the morning of March 6.

ICA, insurance company CEOs and government and community leaders were expected to attend to discuss the clean-up and any issues with recovery or claims. Mr Jones’ office told insuranceNEWS.com.au the minister still hopes to visit the area at a later date.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo says that while it’s early days, so far he isn’t hearing any significant concerns around insurance.

“They seem to be going good,” he said. “They have got builders on the ground already undertaking repair works, and we’ve sorted out arrangements around demolition waste.”

He says he’s not aware of many disputes around coverage or claims at this stage.

“Sure Insurance has been in regular dialogue with me. They have been keeping me up to speed as to what is going on and any issues they could foresee. I’m pretty impressed with them actually. I’ve never had an insurance company reach out and give me that level of detail before.”

ICA’s event takes place from 5pm-8pm at Hinchinbrook Shire Hall, 25 Lannercost Street, Ingham. Registration is essential. Click here for further information.

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