Suncorp unveils major jobs boost for North Queensland
Suncorp today announced a significant boost to its presence and disaster response capabilities in North Queensland, officially opening its Regional Hub in Townsville. More than 100 local jobs have been created and the deployment of a fleet of five Mobile Disaster Response Hubs has also been announced.
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Suncorp CEO Steve Johnston, North Queensland Cowboys player Jake Clifford, Suncorp Executive Manager Disaster Management Lilly Broodbank and Adam Baillie MP, Member for Townsville, (L-R) inside a Mobile Disaster Response Hub in Townsville.
This multi-million-dollar investment underscores Suncorp’s commitment to enhancing resilience and accelerating support for communities in the face of worsening extreme weather events.
Suncorp CEO Steve Johnston inaugurated the new Suncorp Regional Hub in Townsville’s CBD, confirming the recruitment for 120 additional local people was underway.
The new location has been equipped to transform into a satellite disaster response hub, integrated with Suncorp’s state-of-the-art Disaster Management Centre in Brisbane.
Suncorp CEO Steve Johnston cutting the ribbon at the new Regional Hub in Townsville and with guests Councillor Liam Mooney, Janelle Poole MP, Adam Baillie MP, Natalie Marr MP and Townsville Enterprise Limited (TEL) CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith.
This advanced capability in North Queensland will allow for greater insights and communication with local customers and stakeholders during severe weather events.
Additionally, one of Suncorp’s five new Mobile Disaster Response Hubs will be permanently stationed in Townsville, ready for immediate deployment.
These self-sufficient hubs are designed to provide on-the-ground support to impacted communities, ensuring rapid assistance for customers in the aftermath of a severe weather event.
Suncorp Chief Executive Officer, Steve Johnston
North Queensland is on the frontline of extreme weather and we’re taking decisive action to be there for our customers when they need us most.
"This new Regional Hub in Townsville and our fleet of Disaster Response Hubs are game changers.
"They significantly enhance our ability to mobilise faster, reach more customers sooner and provide critical support before, during and after major weather events.”
Mr Johnston said the impact of the 2019 Townsville floods was a stark reminder of the need for greater disaster preparedness in the region.
“The devastating 2019 floods saw more than 9,200 Suncorp claims, highlighting the immense impact of these events on our communities, with further devastation seen in recent years from Tropical Cyclone Jasper in December 2023 and from North Queensland’s Tropical Low in February this year,” he said.
Suncorp Contact Centre Manager Kelly Green with her team in the new Regional Hub in Townsville.
“The opening of the Regional Hub is an investment the future of North Queensland so we can be on the ground, offering real-time insights and support.
“Along with the creation of stable, local jobs, we’re not only strengthening Suncorp’s operational capacity but also contributing directly to the region’s economic growth and workforce development.”
The new Townsville Regional Hub and a look inside one of the Mobile Disaster Response Hubs.
