Grants for stronger homes in Queensland's north

Flood affected Queenslanders in the state's north and Far North can now access grants to rebuild their homes for long-term flood resilience.

Up to $10,000 is available to homeowners through the Stronger Homes Grant Program, an initiative of the Australian and Queensland Governments funded under the Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). 

The assistance will help residents struggling with increasing construction costs to rebuild properly following recent disasters.

Eligible homeowners can use the grants for works such as raising essential services like electrical switchboards, hot water systems and air-conditioning, and electrical and data points, and to help protect parts of their home from flood damage.

Acknowledging the devastation flood damage can bring to one's life, the Stronger Homes Grant Program is tailored to protect people from the scarring impacts of repeated flooding.

With north and Far North Queensland still recovering from February’s historic flood event, the Stronger Homes Grant Program is an opportunity for residents to build increased resilience into their properties.

The practical upgrades made possible through this investment will allow people to commence the process of recovery faster and get back into their homes sooner.

The program is also an example of Betterment and the value of such efforts for a community, improving flood outcomes for individual homes to grow greater overall disaster resilience.

Additionally, insurers have indicated programs designed to reduce flood risk like the Stronger Homes Grants have the potential to put downward pressure on insurance premiums.

Residents looking to find out more about the program, check eligibility, and apply can visit the Stronger Homes Grant webpage. 

Other support measures activated in response to last month's flood emergency across north and Far North Queensland include:

• Personal hardship payments
• Grants and loans for primary producers, small businesses, and not-for-profits
• Freight subsidies and emergency fodder support for farmers
• Assistance for councils' counter disaster operations and the reconstruction of essential public assets

There are currently 39 Queensland local government areas activated for DRFA support in response to the North and Far North Tropical Low disaster event.