The Queensland Government has provided an additional $20 million investment as part of the third phase of its Household Resilience Program to help ensure at-risk North Queensland residents have adequate protections against cyclones.

The grant offers homeowners up to 75% of the costs associated with installing cyclone protection measures, with up to $11,250 covered by the assistance package.

Eligible residents must live in a home built before 1984 within 50km of the coastline between Bundaberg and the Queensland/NT border and meet required income standards.

Improvement works are required at a minimum cost of $3300, and applicants who previously received grants from the program will not be eligible.

Prominent regional Queensland insurer, Sure Insurance, has urged eligible homeowners to apply for the grant, saying residents who install cyclone protection at their homes are likely to have reduced premiums on their home insurance.

“Where the likelihood of damage to a home is reduced through resilience measures, the cost of insurance on the property is reduced – less risk equates to less premium, it’s as simple as that,” Sure MD Bradley Heath said.

Mr Heath says the assistance provides benefits beyond reduced premiums for homeowners who face the threat of severe financial costs due to weather-related events.

“Through installing resilience measures not only will householders be able to access insurance premium discounts, but also enhance structural safety and potentially add significant value to the home,” he said.

For more information on the grant, click here.