The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has welcomed incentives offered to tradies from states not impacted by recent flooding to assist in Queensland rebuilding work, as shortages of labour and supplies continue to hamper repairs.

The Queensland Government said today up to $1750 would be paid to the first 1000 tradespeople who move to the state and work for eight weeks’ rebuilding communities impacted by the floods.

NSW tradespeople are not eligible to apply for the program, called the Tradies in Paradise Incentive Scheme, given the large-scale reconstruction also required in that state.

ICA says the Queensland floods recovery has been impacted by the limited number of available trades, compounded by a very active home building market, a skills drain due to covid border closures and state licensing requirements.

The incentive scheme is only eligible to tradespeople or building industry professionals with Queensland accreditation to perform the work.

“A critical shortage of builders and trades continues to pose a challenge for insurers in repairing homes and businesses in regions impacted by the floods,” ICA CEO Andrew Hall says.

“Since late last year, the ICA has been working with state and territory government and building industry associations to increase the availability of trades required to repair and rebuild properties following natural disasters and investigate the feasibility of bringing in qualified trades from overseas.”

ICA says more than 97,000 claims had been lodged relating to the southeast Queensland floods, at an estimated cost of $1.36 billion, as of Tuesday.

The Queensland government incentive comprises a $1500 relocation payment and up to $250 for travel costs.

Eligible occupations include carpenters, electricians, plasterers, roof tilers and plumbers, tilers, painters and decorators, plumbers, cabinetmakers, planners, architects or building designers, surveyors, building-related engineers, building certifiers, refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanics and gasfitters.