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The Mud Army has returned to assist with the clean-up operation for Brisbane’s floods, but volunteers have been warned to take care to avoid impacting homeowners’ potential insurance claims. How will the Mud Army work this time around, how can you help, and what do you need to be aware of?
Brisbane’s famous Mud Army, which first assembled in the aftermath of the devastating 2011 floods, has reconvened to help clear away the mess from homes and businesses, as the waters from this year’s devastating floods begin to recede.
The first Mud Army came together spontaneously in an outpouring of community support, with residents rolling up their sleeves and gathering the cleaning gear to help flood-affected properties. This time, efforts are being organised by the Brisbane City Council.
Speaking to Neil Breen on 4BC, Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Brisbane residents can now come forward to register and help out, telling listeners: “We’re launching registrations for the Mud Army. People can sign up to be part of the volunteer efforts to help out.”
How can you join Brisbane’s Mud Army?
Registrations for the so-called Mud Army 2.0 are now open on the Brisbane City Council’s website. You can sign up to register your interest as a volunteer to clean out flood-affected properties, with efforts organised through the Emergency Volunteering website.
This website also allows you to volunteer for clean-up efforts at the Gold Coast and in Ipswich.
If you need assistance cleaning out your home or business, you can also register for help directly with the Brisbane City Council, and inform them of your name, address and whether you need help with removing damaged goods, removing mud, general cleaning or all of the above.
Can flood clean-up affect insurance claims?
While the 2011 Mud Army was driven by community spirit, there were some reports of volunteers being a little too enthusiastic in their clean-up efforts, with reports of some people going into flood-affected houses and throwing everything away, even things the owners may have wanted to hold on to.
While some may have lost items of sentimental and monetary value, there is also the matter of insurance – some insurance providers may ask you to photograph a damaged item in order to make a claim on home or contents insurance, and if it’s thrown away by over-zealous volunteers, this cannot be done.
Lord Mayor Schrinner made a plea to volunteers, asking them to be cautious when entering people’s properties. “There was a lot of enthusiasm [last time], and there were some houses that were vacated, the residents had evacuated and they were empty, and people went into empty houses and just chucked everything away.”
“They were trying to help, but a lot of stuff got thrown out that shouldn’t have been thrown out, and then there was an issue with things like insurance claims,” he said. “We’re going to make sure it’s done well this time and lessons have been learned. ”
Are Brisbane’s dumps open and free?
Even if you do not require the assistance of the Mud Army 2.0, you may have items that were damaged by floodwaters that you wish to dispose of. Lord Mayor Schrinner has assured residents that Brisbane’s dumps will be open and free for people disposing of flood-damaged property.
“If you’ve got flood-related waste or flood-damaged items, there will be no charge at the transfer stations,” he said. “If you’re tipping flood waste, you shouldn’t be charged for that, so we’re sorting that out. Normal waste is a different story, but if it’s flood-related, there’s no charge.”
Should you require tip vouchers, Scrhrinner said that local councillors should have a supply of spares in their ward offices that people can ask for if theirs were lost or damaged in the floods. He said the city council would keep councillors well-supplied with these vouchers.
What can you do if you need financial assistance following the floods?
If your property has been damaged in the floods of you have been forced to evacuate and you need financial assistance, Canstar has outlined the various types of financial aid available to Queensland and New South Wales residents in the current flood crisis.
There are various Commonwealth and state government grants available, while Australia’s big four banks are all in the process of rolling out flood relief packages.
What should you do if you need to make an insurance claim?
Canstar finance expert Effie Zahos says that right now, insurers are receiving a high volume of calls in relation to the flood crisis in Queensland and NSW. If you have been affected by the floods, there are a number of things to be aware of when dealing with your insurer. Her advice is to:
- take pictures of the damage to your home and contents, if possible
- keep samples of damaged materials for insurance assessment purposes, if possible
- ask your insurer about any benefits your policy may have such as temporary accommodation, and
- ask your insurer if your policy allows for advance payments, as some will offer this.
You can also call the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) hotline on 1300 728 228 if you have concerns over your policy or are not happy with the benefits that have been offered.
Cover image source: Maythee Voran/Shutterstock.com
This content was reviewed by Sub Editor Tom Letts and Deputy Editor Sean Callery as part of our fact-checking process.
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