The survey of 1,785 Australians was conducted by YouGov between 30 October and 3 November.

Nearly half (45%) don't know that 'La Nina' refers to a climate cycle resulting in wetter weather.

Just 26% have checked their insurance policy for flood or extreme wet weather cover. 

Sixteen of the top 20 flood-prone electorates are in Queensland, while Climate Council modelling estimates up to a quarter of Australian electorates could be 'flood prone' by 2100.

Buying a home or looking to refinance? The table below features home loans with some of the lowest variable interest rates on the market for owner occupiers. 

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LenderHome LoanInterest Rate Comparison Rate* Monthly Repayment Repayment type Rate Type Offset Redraw Ongoing Fees Upfront Fees LVR Lump Sum Repayment Additional Repayments Split Loan Option TagsFeaturesLinkCompare
6.04% p.a.
6.06% p.a.
$2,408
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$530
70%
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  • Immediate cashback upon settlement
  • $2,000 for loans up to $700,000
  • $4,000 for loans over $700,000
5.99% p.a.
5.90% p.a.
$2,396
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$0
80%
 Featured Apply In Minutes
  • No application or ongoing fees. Annual rate discount
  • Unlimited redraws & additional repayments. LVR <80%
  • A low-rate variable home loan from a 100% online lender. Backed by the Commonwealth Bank.
6.14% p.a.
6.16% p.a.
$2,434
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$250
60%
 Featured Unlimited Redraws
  • No annual fees - None!
  • Get fast pre-approval
  • Unlimited additional repayments free of charge
  • Redraw freely - Access your additional payments when you need them
  • Home loan specialists available today
Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning

Base criteria of: a $400,000 loan amount, variable, fixed, principal and interest (P&I) home loans with an LVR (loan-to-value) ratio of at least 80%. However, the ‘Compare Home Loans’ table allows for calculations to be made on variables as selected and input by the user. Some products will be marked as promoted, featured or sponsored and may appear prominently in the tables regardless of their attributes. All products will list the LVR with the product and rate which are clearly published on the product provider’s website. Monthly repayments, once the base criteria are altered by the user, will be based on the selected products’ advertised rates and determined by the loan amount, repayment type, loan term and LVR as input by the user/you. *The Comparison rate is based on a $150,000 loan over 25 years. Warning: this comparison rate is true only for this example and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Rates correct as of . View disclaimer.

Allianz's national manager for technical claims and business operations Mark O'Connor urged Australians to check their policy for flood coverage.

"We’re already seeing the impact of this year’s La Niña taking shape. Just last month, Queensland’s Halloween hailstorm inflicted more than $110 million in damage," he said.

Two thirds of survey respondents said they think bushfires pose a bigger risk this summer, while three in ten are not planning on preparing for floods.

Mr O'Connor pushed Australians to be prepared this upcoming storm season, as 43% believe Australia's weather is getting more extreme.

"It’s important we consider the extent of the impact Australia’s evolving climate and weather patterns have on our day to day lives. We’re seeing a higher volume of weather-caused claims," he said.

On average, Australians are spending 7.5 hours preparing for Christmas festivities, and 5.2 hours on storm and flood preparation. 

What is La Nina and El Nino?

'La Nina' is essentially the opposite weather pattern to 'El Nino', causing wetter and cooler periods, as opposed to hotter and drier periods, predominantly affecting Australia's east coast.

El Nino came to a head in 2018 with severe drought throughout much of NSW and Queensland, and led to catastrophic bushfires along the east coast in late 2019 and early 2020.

The last severe La Nina period was in 2010-2011 when Brisbane and surrounds experienced severe flooding.

Image: 2011 Brisbane Floods, by Andrew Kesper via Wikimedia Commons.



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