MEDIA RELEASE
December 26, 2025
ARPC ADVERTISEMENT FAILS TOWNSVILLE HOMEOWNERS
AS INSURANCE COSTS CONTINUE TO SOAR
Townsville homeowners deserve genuine engagement, not advertising, after the Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation (ARPC) chose to place a full-page advertisement in today’s Townsville Bulletin instead of appearing in Townsville to listen to the community.
The decision comes during a cost-of-living crisis and despite the ARPC being asked to hold a community hearing in Townsville as part of its review into the cyclone reinsurance pool — a commitment that was meant to prioritise the voices of North Queenslanders most affected by soaring insurance costs.
Townsville families continue to pay some of the highest home insurance premiums in Australia, with many households reporting premiums of $6,000 to $10,000 or more each year, often two to three times higher than comparable homes in southern states.
Many residents say they have seen little or no relief since the reinsurance pool was introduced.
The ARPC advertisement promotes home upgrades as a pathway to lower premiums but fails to outline the true cost burden placed on homeowners. In reality, these measures often involve major expenses:
- Cyclone-rated roof replacements commonly cost $25,000 to $50,000+
- Structural tie-downs and retrofitting can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000
- Cyclone shutters or impact-rated windows range from $3,000 to over $30,000
- Braced roller doors can add $1,500 to $4,000 per door
For many older homes across Townsville, achieving the ARPC’s recommendations would cost between $20,000 to $70,000 or more, with no guarantee of a meaningful premium reduction.
Federal Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson MP said the approach showed a clear disconnect from local realities.
“Townsville homeowners aren’t looking for glossy ads — they want insurance they can actually afford,” Mr Thompson said.
“Many families here are already under serious financial pressure and asking them to spend tens of thousands of dollars on upgrades, with no certainty of savings, is simply unrealistic.”
Mr Thompson said he has consistently warned that the cyclone reinsurance pool must deliver tangible outcomes for North Queensland.
“The reinsurance pool was meant to lower premiums, not shift the burden back onto homeowners,” he said.
“If people in Townsville aren’t seeing real reductions, then the system isn’t delivering what it promised.”
Mr Thompson said the failure to hold a community hearing in Townsville was particularly disappointing.
“The ARPC was asked to come here and listen. Instead, they’ve chosen to advertise,” he said.
“If they’re serious about accountability and affordability, they should front up to Townsville, explain where the money is going, and hear directly from the people paying the price.”
“Townsville families deserve transparency, fairness and real insurance relief — not more paperwork and more cost.”
ENDS