Householders urged to seek assistance for cyclone-proofing

Cyclone Debbie caused major damage to this Proserpine home in 2017.

Residents of Central and North Queensland can now seek reimbursement for improvements to their homes to reduce the impacts of cyclone damage, following today’s announcement that the household resilience program has been boosted by more than $21 million.

Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud announced the news that the Morrison Liberal National Government has committed $10 million to extend the Queensland Household Resilience Program. The Queensland Government has committed $11.25 million, bringing the total for the program to $21.25 million.

This program provides an avenue for home owners in our region to not only get some government assistance for practical improvements to reduce cyclone damage, but it also then should flow through to lower insurance premiums.

Insurance companies have previously offered up to 20 percent reductions on premiums, and there are estimates of savings of about $300 per year attributed to the Queensland Household Resilience Program.

Of course any work undertaken can also mean jobs for locals and business for local construction companies.

Federal Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud said the Australian Government had been working to secure Queensland Government agreement to extend the program.

“The Queensland Government’s announcement this week to extend this important program is a welcome outcome,” Minister Littleproud said.

The extension of the Program, made possible by the Australian Government contribution, is the most recent example of the national leadership necessary to address systemic disaster risk combined with practical measures needed to deliver community outcomes on the ground.