MINISTER LAUNCHES REVIEW OF MANUFACTURED HOMES ACT

Fair Trading Minister Margaret Keech today called on Queenslanders to get involved in the review of the Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Act 2003.

The review is designed to ensure the Act is meeting the needs and expectations of manufactured home owners, park owners and the community.

“The Manufactured Homes Act has been crucial in clarifying park and home owner’s rights and responsibilities,” Mrs Keech said.

“It introduced written site agreements, ensured home owners are given upfront information and improved processes to resolve disputes.

“When I launched the Manufactured Homes Act, I gave a commitment to review the legislation.

“The Beattie Government is now meeting that commitment.

“We want to make sure these laws properly protect the more than 10,000 Queenslanders living in residential parks , now and into the future.

“This legislation protects the rights of some of these more vulnerable residents.

“A large proportion of manufactured home owners are retirees or pensioners on fixed incomes who are seeking secure housing.

“Residential park home owners often choose this lifestyle to maintain their independence and to be part of the community. It is very important we protect these foundations.

“I invite all Queenslanders to have their say and help ensure a fair marketplace for all in this industry.”

The survey can be completed online at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au. You can request a printed survey by phoning 13 13 04 or visiting a Department of Tourism, Fair Trading and Wine Industry Development office in your area.

To be included on the stakeholder distribution list, simply enter your contact details on the website at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or write to the Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Act 2003 Review at PO Box 3111 Brisbane 4001.

Mrs Keech said a report of the review would be tabled in Parliament after careful analysis of the submissions.

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Media contact: Jo Gibbons 3225 1005 / 0421 611 989 or

Tim Goodwin (OFT) 3119 0062 / 0439 714 326