Queensland homeowners will be able to cyclone proof their homes through the Household Resilience Program, with applications opening today under Phase 2 of the Program.
Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud said the highly successful program was being reopened with a $21.25 million top up from the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments, after the program’s proven results to support local jobs and save on household insurance premiums.
“Queenslanders living on low incomes in cyclone prone areas in north Queensland may be eligible for government assistance to increase the cyclone-resilience of their homes,” Minister Littleproud said.
“The first round of the Household Resilience Program has already upgraded more than 1,700 homes, with homeowners saving an average of around $300 on their insurance as a result.
“The program has also seen a significant flow through to the local economy by keeping tradies in work, which is particularly important during these challenging COVID-19 times.
“I’d encourage Queensland homeowners with houses built before 1984 to check their eligibility now.”
Queensland Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said that the reloaded grants program would continue to support Queensland regional jobs, after 95 per cent of upgrade projects were delivered by local tradies in the first round.
“Local, licensed contractors, can provide eligible residents with a quote to undertake building work valued at a minimum of $3,300 to improve the cyclone resilience of eligible homes,” Minister de Brenni said.
“Local companies like Elite Roofing from Bundaberg, Roof Seal FNQ in Townsville and Tropical Roofing and Drainage Solutions from Cairns are just a few of the 451 Queensland businesses who have benefited from the program so far.
“The Household Resilience Program backs Queensland tradies, and it’s these local tradies who are best placed to tie down old-fashioned rooves, replace weak doors and seal leaky windows in the communities where they live.
“This early targeted feature of our Queensland Economic Recovery Strategy will make a big difference for homeowners on low incomes, while stimulating the creation of local jobs.”