- Grants of up to $10,000 to help flood-affected homeowners to build back stronger for longer-term flood resilient homes
- Introduces resilient home design measures such as raising essential services and using flood resistant materials
- Assistance provided through the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements
North and Far North Queenslanders are set to benefit from a grants program to repair and build more resilient homes following the historical flood event earlier this month.
The Stronger Homes Grant, jointly funded by the Albanese and Crisafulli Government, will help homeowners build resilience against future flood events.
Up to $10,000 will be made available for eligible homeowners for works such as raising essential services such as electrical switchboards, hot water systems and air-conditioning, and help protect parts of their homes from flood damage.
The grants are another example of Betterment in action helping Queenslanders build back stronger for future weather events.
All support is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Federal Emergency Management Minister Jenny McAllister said the Albanese Government is with Queenslanders for the long haul as communities recover.
"The damage caused by flooding can be devastating for families. Investing in resilience lowers the impact of future events, and helps locals rebuild stronger," Minister McAllister said.
Premier David Crisafulli said the Government was focused on long-term solutions to reduce the impacts of Queensland's weather events.
"We're backing North Queenslanders with real support to strengthen their properties and rebuild with confidence," Premier Crisafulli said.
"Every time we rebuild smarter, we save lives, we protect livelihoods, and we reduce the cost of recovery.
"By building stronger, flood-resilient homes, we can help protect families and communities from the devastating impacts of repeated flooding."
Minister for Housing and Public Works Sam O'Connor said combined with recent increases in construction costs, many residents are likely to struggle to properly rebuild.
"We know many homes in North and Far North Queensland have been flooded before, and they will face flooding again," Minister O'Connor said.
"This program provides support for homeowners to make their homes more flood resilient.
"This is a smart, long-term investment in Queensland's future, helping to reduce displacement, financial hardship, and paying the same recovery costs over and over again.
"Stronger, more resilient homes could also ease pressure on insurance premiums."
Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said fit for purpose building upgrades are crucial to supporting North Queensland's recovery journey.
"The Crisafulli Government has North Queenslander's backs and this program delivers help to homeowners," Minister Leahy said.
"By addressing the long-term resilience of flood-impacted homes, North Queenslanders can commence the process of recovery with the knowledge that they are building back better."
Insurance Council of Australia Deputy CEO Kylie Macfarlane welcomed the joint announcement which will help flood impacted residents in the long-term.
"Reducing flood risk though programs like this one not only better protects lives and property, but is the only sustainable way to put downward pressure on premiums," she said.
"The Queensland Government is to be congratulated for putting this program in place, and insurers and the ICA look forward to working with them on the program's implementation."
Suncorp CEO of Consumer Insurance Lisa Harrison welcomed the announcement which she said will help homeowners improve their resilience to extreme weather through achievable and practical upgrades.
"In the aftermath of a flood, it is often the damage to the internal systems of a home that can be very challenging," Ms Harrison said.
"Practical upgrades such as raising electrical switchboards, data and electrical points, hot water systems and air conditioner units above the flood level can reduce the impact of future floods, meaning people can get back into their homes sooner.
"Queenslanders are known for their resilience, and Suncorp will be here, working with our customers, Government and the community, to build back better."
RACQ General Manager of Advocacy Joshua Cooney said the Government's funding commitment is an important step in making North Queensland stronger.
"We applaud the State Government's commitment to adopting a 'build it back better' approach to help the region recover and rebuild," Mr Cooney said.
"The Resilient Homes Fund is a great example of what can be achieved when all levels of government and industry work together to lessen the impact of future disasters.
"RACQ is committed to working hand-in-hand with the State Government to ensure our eligible RACQ members rebuild their homes stronger as a result of the Stronger Homes Grant program."
