Real reason razed roofs are not repaired is bigger than storm: MBA

“Roofers are in short supply as a result. I know some companies that have roofers and builders down in the ACT,” he said.

“They want to bring them back to do the work they have out at Springfield.”

Insurance companies were now paying Queensland roofers and builders “surge costs” to return to Queensland, Mr Bidwell said.

“The insurance builders – because of these surge costs – are paying their subcontractors significantly more than normal market conditions.”

Mr Bidwell said roofers working on contracts under the HomeBuilder scheme were being tempted to earn the extra money instead from insurance repairs.

“When it comes to putting the [new-build] roof on they are saying, ‘I can’t do it. I’m busy because I’m going over and doing all the insurance work’.”

Ipswich mayor Teresa Harding said the delays were distressing for many families.

“Some have been out of their homes and without possessions for 14 weeks and it is vital that the recovery work is approved and carried out by licensed builders and contractors immediately,” Cr Harding said.

Mr Bidwell said he did not believe a senior Queensland government minister should be appointed to oversee the large repair project.

“No, not yet. But I think somebody should go out and explain to residents what was going on,” he said.

The damage might have opened the door to a potential new recycling industry, as Cr Harding estimated 16,000 solar panels were destroyed in the hailstorm.

“A co-ordinated approach across all stakeholder groups could see thousands of solar
panels being diverting from landfills,” she said.

“Up to 95 per cent of the materials in solar PV panels can in-principle be recycled, including glass, aluminium, polymers, silicon, copper, and silver paste.

“Lead is the primary toxic material present in solar panels, produced in the soldering and cadmium processes, and posing risks to waterway health through incorrect disposal.”