A Minute With The Mayor 19 September

Stronger Homes Grant

Earlier this year, many parts of North and Far North Queensland were hit hard by flooding. While the Whitsundays was fortunate not to experience widespread damage, it was still a challenging time for our region.

Families here watched the impacts unfold across the north, some of our residents were directly affected, and the uncertainty around weather events weighed heavily on our community.

That is why I welcome the Queensland Government’s recent announcement of the Stronger Homes Grant. This new program, jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Commonwealth State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, is about giving homeowners practical support to prepare for the future.

The Stronger Homes Grant offers up to $10,000 for eligible homeowners to make their properties more flood resilient. It is not just about repairing what was damaged, it is about making smart improvements so that when the next flood comes, the impact is reduced. Examples include raising electrical switchboards, moving hot water systems or air conditioning units above flood levels, separating electrical circuits between floors, or replacing wall linings and floor coverings with materials that are easier to clean and dry after water inundation.

This program is open to both insured and uninsured homeowners, and funds are paid directly to licensed contractors or insurers once the works are complete. That means homeowners can focus on the improvements without worrying about how to manage the payments.

Applications are open now and will close on 31 December 2025, unless funds are fully allocated before that date. To apply, residents need to show proof of ownership, evidence that their home was inundated in the January and February floods, and a quote from a licensed contractor for the proposed works. Full details, including guidance for homeowners and contractors, are available at www.qld.gov.au/strongerhomesgrant.

As Mayor, I know how important it is for our community to be ready for whatever nature throws at us. Every step we take to strengthen our homes makes the whole Whitsunday region more resilient. I encourage anyone who is eligible to consider applying for this grant, and to share the information with friends, family and neighbours so no one misses out.

This is not just about repairing damage, it is about reducing the impact of the next event, so it is not as hard on our families or our community. By building resilience now, we give ourselves the best chance to recover more quickly and keep the Whitsundays moving forward together.

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