Applications are open for grants that help low-income north Queenslanders carry out work to protect their homes from cyclones. 

The household resilience program is in its fourth phase, having already awarded 4400 grants around Townsville, Cairns, Bundaberg, Rockhampton and Mackay.

The program aims to make houses built before 1984 more able to withstand severe weather. Homeowners who have had work approved since the initiative began in 2018 and then negotiated with their insurers have reported average premium savings of 9%.

State Fire and Disaster Recovery Minister Nikki Boyd says up to 10% of the low-income householders who have received help are uninsured, and one-third are older than 65. 

“The fact this program has already helped so many vulnerable households tells a fantastic story of success,” she said. 

More than 2000 registrations of interest have been entered for the latest grant allocation, which is backed by $20 million of federal funding, building on more than $50 million of Queensland government investment. 

The funds will cover roof upgrades, garage door replacements, external structure upgrades, and installation of solid core doors and cyclone shutters or window screens.  

The program has been expanded to fund up to 80% of approved resilience works, and maximum grant limits have been increased to $15,000, with a minimum homeowner contribution of 20%. Recipients must be low-income owner-occupiers in homes at least 40 years old and within 50km of the coast, from Bundaberg to the Queensland/NT border. 

Federal Special Envoy for Disaster Recovery Senator Tony Sheldon says the program “has a stellar record of providing positive practical and economic outcomes for people whose homes may be vulnerable to tropical cyclones.

“Even more Queenslanders looking to retrofit their homes can reduce their disaster risk and potentially create savings on their insurance premiums. This feeds into some of the work that we’re doing more broadly with some of Australia’s biggest insurers through the Hazards Insurance Partnership to put downward pressure on insurance premiums and increase availability of coverage in communities at risk of natural hazards.”

Queensland has endured more than 100 disasters since 2011.

“Science tells us they are increasing in both frequency and severity,” Queensland Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said.