Cyclone-impacted communities in regional Queensland have been experiencing a jobs boom through the Palaszczuk Government’s Household Resilience Program.
Housing and Public Works Minister Mick de Brenni visited Cairns business A J Roofing Solutions today to meet with the two new tradies and an apprentice employed to meet the increased demand in the Far North.
“Queenslanders have been working hard to manage the health response of COVID-19.
“And as economies around the world are taking a hit, the Palaszczuk Government has been delivering its plan to support Queensland household budgets,” Mr de Brenni said.
“The Household Resilience Program is enabling Queensland tradies to expand their client base, and take on more staff, as more Queenslanders are able to cyclone-proof their homes.
Mr de Brenni said that the household resilience program had now been fully subscribed, and funding would be flowing to around 100 local businesses ahead of cyclone season.
“The people of Cairns have really embraced the initiative, with 314 applications approved in the latest round of funding that is providing a shot in the arm to Cairns businesses” he said.
“We know from the previous round that these cyclone-proofing works saw some homeowners save an average of 8.5 per cent on their home insurance premiums, with some saving up to 25 per cent.”
Cairns businessman Allen Ashby, owner of A J Roofing Solutions, said his business has suffered due to the COVID-19 crisis but due to the program he has been able to employ two roofing tradies and an apprentice.
“The Household Resilience Program has given me the confidence to grow my business and without it I would not have been able to put on the apprentice,” Mr Ashby said.
“You can sense the trepidation out there and people’s reluctance to spend money particularly during COVID-19, but this program has given them the incentive as well as a helping hand.”
The program is part of the Queensland Government’s $6 billion Unite and Recover jobs strategy announced on 19 May by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
Mr de Brenni said under Phase 2 of the Household Resilience Program the Queensland Government contributed $11.25 million and the Australian Government $10 million.
