Palaszczuk Government to fund storm protection for coastal homes

The Palaszczuk Government is delivering for Queensland families in cyclone prone areas, with assistance for low-income families living in coastal areas between Bundaberg and Cooktown to increase the cyclone resilience of their homes.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni today announced details of the $20 million two-year Household Resilience Program which will be available to eligible residents living in houses built before 1984 within 50km of the coast.

Under the program, eligible applicants enter a co-funded arrangement with the Queensland Government.

Eligible residents will be income-tested for grants up to $11,250 to fund improvements such as roof replacement, better tie-down and strengthening of windows and doors.

“What this means is that the government will co-fund with the home-owner up to $15,000 worth of work, and we’ll cover 75 per cent of the cost,” Mr de Brenni said.

“So we’ll cover up to a maximum of $11,250, with the balance paid by the applicant.

“There are also low- or no-interest loans programs available to assist Queenslanders with their share of the cost.”

Mr de Brenni said recent years had seen far too many Queensland families in the North facing the double-whammy and heartbreak of cyclone damage plus insurance premium hikes just when they are trying to get back on their feet.

“A much better option for Queensland is to improve the resilience of free-standing dwellings in areas north of Bundaberg, up to the tip of Cape York, and across to the Northern Territory border, especially those built before 1984 when tougher regulations were introduced.

“We have been listening to Queenslanders who say they need this support to ensure the safety and security of their homes during cyclone season, and that’s why we’ve introduced the Household Resilience Program.

“Local licenced builders can provide eligible residents with a quote to undertake building work to improve the cyclone resilience of their home, and the program can cover up to 75 percent of the work.

“The Housing Resilience Program funding will be paid directly to the contractor, so home owners aren’t left out of pocket.

“Participating households may be able to negotiate a reduced home insurance premium with their preferred insurer, so I would encourage pre-1984 home owners in the designated region to seriously consider applying,” he said.

“It’s all about making sure that we’re planning for the future.”

Applications open on Monday 30 July 2018.  For more information about the program, including low- or no-interest loan options, visit the website www.qld.gov.au/strongerhomes (from 8am Monday 30 July) or call 13 QGOV (13 7468).

Media contact: Cat Milton 0447 117 132