The Queensland Government announced on 30 July it would launch a $20 million Queensland Stronger Homes Household Resilience Cyclone Mitigation Program (“the Program”).
The Program aims to help eligible homeowners in Far North Queensland improve the resilience of their homes against cyclones. The Queensland Government has noted that these resilience measures may also reduce home insurance premiums for homeowners.
The Government is encouraging homeowners to speak to their insurer or broker to
find out whether undertaking the improvements will result in a reduction in
home insurance premiums relative to building work they are considering as part
of the Program.
What
constitutes an eligible applicant?
The Program is for owner
occupiers of stand-alone homes built before 1984 who meet the income
eligibility requirements.
Eligible applicants must reside in a “recognised cyclone risk area”, which is the area within 50km of the coast, from Bundaberg to the Queensland and Northern Territory border, with a focus on Mackay and Townsville areas.
Is the program open to owners of investment properties?
The Program is not
available to owners of strata properties, holiday homes, blocks of flats or
investment properties.
What percentage of the cost of improvements will be covered?
75% of the cost of the
improvements (up to a maximum of $11,250 including GST) will be made available
to successful homeowners as a grant by Government. Homeowners will
also be required to make a minimum co-contribution of 25% towards the cost of
the improvements.
What
does mitigation works/improvements cover?
We’ll be updating our rates
and systems to take into consideration home improvements for cyclone resilience
undertaken as part of the Stronger Homes Program and expect to be able to
provide quotes in November 2018.
For more information v isit the Queensland Government Housing Resilience Program at www.qld.gov.au/strongerhomes.
Katherine (08) 7919 7019
2/46 Chardon St