The Palaszczuk Government will support low-income Queenslanders living in cyclone-prone coastal areas to make their homes stronger and safer.
Speaking from Mackay, Minister for Public Works Mick de Brenni said the 2022 State Budget delivers $20 million for a third, three-year phase of the Household Resilience Program.
“In the face of Mother Nature, we know Queensland homes – just like Queenslanders – must stand resilient,” Minister de Brenni said.
“Since its introduction in 2018, the Household Resilience program has done just that.
“The Program has supported 3525 low-income households to replace roofs and doors, reinforce windows and tie down external structures.
“In doing so, we have put more than 200 regional tradies on the tools completing these resilience works, so this is a massive win for local jobs as well as for homeowners.”
Under the Household Resilience Program, the Palaszczuk Government co-funds up to $15,000 worth of work with the home-owner, covering 75 per cent of the cost.
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said more than 340 homes have already benefitted from cyclone-proofing works under the program in the Mackay region.
“Whether it’s Yasi, Ului or Debbie, our community is no stranger to cyclones and storms,” Mrs Gilbert said.
“When they do strike, families should not face 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 is to improve the resilience of homes, which is why the 2022 State Budget delivering a third phase of the Household Resilience program is great news for our community.”
Minister de Brenni said the program’s second phase achieved an average insurance saving of nine per cent for Queenslanders.
“More than a safe home, this program delivers real cost-of-living relief through insurance savings,” the Minister said.
“Now at a time when every dollar counts, the Palaszczuk Government will do all we can to support Queenslanders with programs like Household Resilience.”
Applications open for low-income households within 50km of the coast from Bundaberg north on August 1.
