Insurance claims across south-east Queensland are flooding in by the day with more than 41,000 lodged so far in the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
The majority of the claims are related to damage to homes, along with almost 1700 commercial claims.
Queensland Reconstruction Authority chief executive Jake Ellwood said there were different challenges across council areas.
“Things like essential services have been very challenging,” Ellwood said.
The federal government is releasing disaster recovery payments of $1000 per adult and $400 per child for eligible residents in Logan, Gold Coast, Redland City and parts of the Fraser Coast.
This is in addition to $180 state-distributed emergency hardship payments.
Brisbane, Moreton Bay and Lockyer Valley are not on the list despite severe flash flooding impacting a number of suburbs.
“[There are] some cases where the creek has risen and come into people’s property,” Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said.
“There’s other cases where the rain has come through the roof.”
Federal officials are waiting on damage reports before including more areas.
In Southport on the Gold Coast, wind gusts were strong enough to break the windows at a Korean barbecue restaurant this week.
Recovery efforts begin after ex-Cyclone Alfred ravaged famous beaches
“It was so scary, but no one was hurt. We were lucky,” restaurant owner Sidney Kin said.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said 18,000 in the city remained without power this morning.
“Energex remains committed to 100 per cent energy back on target by Sunday,” Tate said.
Beaches at Greenmount, Coolangatta and Burleigh opened today.
Several other beaches will undergo restoration works ahead of the Easter holidays.
