This is the letter Chabau received in the mail informing him of changes to the Logan Council flood maps.
Share this @internewscast.com

Corrie Chabau had just renewed his home insurance when the letter arrived last week.

Printed under a crisp council letterhead were details of updated flood risk mapping that could send his already expensive premium through the roof.

But Chabau is one of the lucky ones; some of his neighbours’ homes could be rendered uninsurable under the proposed changes.

This is the letter Chabau received in the mail informing him of changes to the Logan Council flood maps.
This is the letter Chabau received in the mail informing him of changes to the Logan Council flood maps. (Supplied)

Logan City Council is working on a new town plan that includes updated flood risk mapping as required by the Queensland government.

Two rivers and almost 90 creeks run through the region, which has experienced severe flooding as recently as 2022.

“This risk-based mapping considers a range of floods, from common to extremely rare, and their potential impact,” Mayor Jon Raven told 9news.com.au.

“We can’t stop floods but we can better understand and plan for them.”

The new mapping published as part of the draft town plan last week identified areas of low, moderate and high flood risk.

About 20,000 letters were sent out to residents with properties in moderate and high-risk areas in late August.

New Logan flood mapping with Chabau's property highlighted.
New Logan flood mapping with Chabau’s property highlighted. (Logan City Council)

Chabau, who has lived in Logan for more than 13 years, was one of them.

But he said the new mapping doesn’t reflect his experience of floods in the area, especially on his own property.

“I get stormwater runoff in the back of my place … but that’s stormwater,” he said.

“That’s not river flooding.

“Even through Cyclone Debbie, when we had 400mm in 20 hours, by the next day, you would not even know we had the rain.

He fears the new flood mapping will do more harm than good by making home insurance premiums spike.

Shocking before and after aerial images expose the severity of the NSW floods

More than half a million Australian homes are at high risk of becoming uninsurable for flood damage by 2030, according to a 2024 Climate Valuation report.

And 13 suburbs were identified as “black zone” suburbs where more than 80 per cent of homes risk becoming uninsurable by 2030.

Those black zone suburbs included Tweed Heads South and Chinderah, less than two hours away from Logan by car.

One in five homes will also have exposure to some level of riverine flooding by 2030, which could affect insurance premiums.

Since moving to Logan in the early 2010s, Chabau’s premium has skyrocketed to more than $5000 a year.

The cost jumped by $1200 at his last renewal.

By comparison, the average cost for home and contents insurance in Queensland is $2735 according to Canstar, almost half of what Chabau now pays.

New Logan flood mapping with Chabau's property highlighted.
New Logan flood mapping with Chabau’s property highlighted. (Logan City Council)

Some Logan residents claimed they had been quoted $17,000 to more than $30,000 for home insurance based on the new flood mapping.

Others fear their homes will become uninsurable for flood damage.

And anyone looking to sell could face new challenges in light of the changes.

”A lot of people are furious about it,” Chabau said.

“They’ve just destroyed everyone’s livelihoods.

“All the houses are basically worth nothing now, and we can’t insure them.”

He said that if his home insurance hits five digits, he may have to run the risk of going uninsured, as he simply can’t afford the cost.

Raven, the Logan City mayor, responded to these concerns by telling 9news.com.au council has “no control” over insurance premiums.

“While flood risk may be a consideration, there are many factors driving up the value of premiums across the country, not just in Logan,” he said.

Council has begun public consultation on its draft town plan, which will run for nine weeks until October 31.

It is holding more than 50 engagement events and inviting submissions from residents in response to the updated flood risk mapping.

Every submission received will undergo a review and contribute to a consultation report. This report will be presented to the Queensland government alongside the revised town plan next year.

Logan residents have been given the opportunity to respond to the new flood maps.
Logan residents have been given the opportunity to respond to the new flood maps. (Supplied)

“The Logan Plan will be adjusted based on feedback where suitable, keeping in mind there are considerable legislative and policy limitations involved in this process,” Ryan stated.

But Chabau said that even if the mapping is changed, the damage has been done.

“The insurers go ‘well, it says here that it might flood’ and the premiums won’t ever come down. It’s just going to destroy everyone.”

Last night, a meeting was held in Logan to discuss the proposed changes.

“To say the place was packed would be an understatement,” Chabau said.

He described the meeting as tense, expressing that he and other residents were dissatisfied with how the council addressed questions regarding the new mapping and its implications for insurance.

“The worst part was as I was walking in, I heard a very elderly couple say, ‘We are going to lose everything because of this,'” he added.

“How dare they cause this stress on all these people?”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

JK Rowling Criticizes Emma Watson for ‘Lack of Understanding’ in Trans Rights Debate

Harry Potter creator JK Rowling criticized Emma Watson for her thoughts on…

Earthquake in the Philippines Leaves 69 Dead and Hospitals Overrun with Injured Patients

At least 69 people have died after a powerful earthquake hit central…
New CCTV released of missing New Zealand teen

New Security Footage Shows Missing New Zealand Teen

Police have released new photos of a missing New Zealand teenager. Seventeen-year-old…
Melbourne Magistrates Court in Melbourne, Victoria.

High-Profile Australian Athlete to Have Rape Charges Dropped

Photo of Trump team member's phone reveals major concerns

Photo of Phone from Trump Team Member Raises Significant Concerns

A member of the Trump administration has seemingly raised a red flag…

Anthony Albanese ‘worried’ about China’s potential ban on BHP iron ore

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is “concerned” by reports that China might temporarily…
Moore River drowning

Wife ‘in shock’ after WA father drowns attempting to rescue children

It’s understood aged care worker Tshering Penjor was a strong swimmer, with…
PM wants quick fix to Chinese ban on BHP iron ore cargoes

Prime Minister Seeks Rapid Solution to China’s Ban on BHP Iron Ore Shipments

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his concern today over reports that BHP,…
Governer of the Reserve Bank of Australia Michele Bullock,  speaks at a media conference  on Monetary Policy Decision, Sydney, 30 September 2025.

RBA’s Early Christmas Gift: From Sure Bet to Coin Toss

A mere matter of weeks ago, experts were expecting an early Christmas…
Australian clinical trials are helping to advance the medical treatment of some of the most common and debilitating health conditions.

The Simple Side Hustle Allowing Australians to Make Thousands Without Needing Experience or a Degree

Australians are making thousands of dollars, even without prior experience or a…
Nicole Kidman files for divorce from Keith Urban after 19 years of marriage

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban Announce Split After 19 Years Together

Nicole Kidman has filed for divorce from Keith Urban after 19 years…
A newly installed flag pole stands on the South Lawn of the White House, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

U.S. Government Shuts Down Following Congressional Stalemate

The US government has entered a shutdown for the first time in…