North Queenslanders now have easy access to an online register of qualified local contractors ready to help rebuild homes and bolster the North Queensland economy.
Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said over 400 contractors had put their hands up for the mammoth job ahead.
“I understand that people are wanting to get their homes repaired as soon as possible and I am doing everything I can to stamp out unlicensed operators who could put your home at risk,” said Mr de Brenni.
“Now is the time to keep helping out each other and the best way to do that is to use local tradespeople to do your repairs,” he said.
“The repairs could be in the tens or hundreds of millions of dollars and that money should stay in the North Queensland economy.
“However, safety has got to come first and choosing appropriately qualified contractors is the best way to protect yourself and your family and ensure the job is done right.”
Mr de Brenni said the North Queensland Flood Register – available on the Queensland Building and Construction Commission website – has established a growing list building contractors, asbestos removalists, gas and petroleum contractors, and electricians who are ready to assist.
“Importantly, every contractor on the Register has been vetted to ensure they hold appropriate licenses for the job,” he said.
“The last thing I want flood-affected families to worry about is the quality of their repairs.
“We called for qualified contractors to register for the North Queensland Flood Register on Friday and the response from locals is, as it always has been, impressive.
“My message to home and business owners is use this Register to easily find local, qualified and licensed contractors to carry out their repair work.
“We also have to make it clear to the insurance industry that we expect them to choose locals off this list first.”
Mr de Brenni said some 50 per cent of registrations to date had indicated they were from the North Queensland region.
“It’s pleasing to see so many local, licensed contractors coming forward to assist their fellow Queenslanders in the wake of the flooding,” he said.
“We’re urging people to use local businesses wherever possible but, because of the high demand and the fact some tradies must focus on cleaning up their own family homes, the register also provides details of qualified contractors able to travel to help out on urgent repairs.
“The register lets you identify local small businesses that you can go to first.
“Licensed contractors can, at any time, submit their details if they are available to work immediately in Townsville and surrounding affected areas.”
You can link to the North Queensland Flood Register at www.qbcc.qld.gov.au.
