Great Start Grant campaign gets underway

Treasurer Tim Nicholls today visited Stockland’s Bells Reach community in Caloundra to meet developers and home buyers who are directly benefiting from the Newman Government’s $15,000 Great Start Grant.

Mr Nicholls’ visit coincided with the launch of the Great Start Grant website and an exciting new advertising campaign, aimed at promoting the advantages of the grant.

Under the scheme, first home buyers who are building or buying a new house, townhouse, apartment or unit - including off-the-plan and owner-builder – will receive $15,000 upon either the completion of the project or the first draw-down of funds. 

“We want to help more Queenslanders buy their first home, which is why we doubled the first home owner grant in last year’s State Budget,” Mr Nicholls said.

“The carefully targeted changes we made to the grant are also about helping the construction sector.

“The construction industry employs about 230,000 people and is worth more than $60 billion to the Queensland economy.

“This is not a short-term sugar hit. The grant is here to stay.”

Mr Nicholls said the advertising campaign would help ensure those considering buying their first home were aware of the grant.

“Knowing there is a $15,000 grant available will encourage more Queenslanders to buy new, rather than old,” he said.

“This is particularly important in regional resource communities where there is a real shortage of affordable housing.”

He said developers like Stockland were giving buyers a wide range of innovative options to meet individual preferences and budgets.

“The Government will work with industry to promote the grant, providing marketing material for their use in promotional campaigns.”

While in Caloundra, Mr Nicholls met Janelle Grosse who was one of the first to receive the grant.  The Grosses are expected to move into their brand-new home at Bells Reach next month.

“This is exactly what the grant is all about, helping Queenslanders realise their dream of home ownership. We want more Queenslanders to have a Great Start,” Mr Nicholls said.

The Great Start Grant television advertising campaign, which taps into the aspirations of first homebuyers and their families, will air for the first time on Sunday night and will feature in the State of Origin broadcast.  

The Great Start Grant website will also be launched this weekend. It will feature full eligibility criteria and application forms at www.qld.gov.au/greatstartgrant

[ENDS] 15 March 2013

Media Contact: Treasurer’s office 07 3224 6900