Regional housing needs Federal focus

HINCHINBROOK MP Nick Dametto has warned the Federal Government not to abandon regional Queensland’s housing market as speculation mounts over a new grants scheme.

Mr Dametto said it was imperative the Federal Government’s proposed housing stimulus package included grants to both purchase existing homes in regional areas and the ability to do renovations.

“Media speculation is mounting about what the government’s housing stimulus package will actually include, but if they are to have any chance of helping rural and regional Queensland work its way out of this economic slump, we need this grant to address the abundance of existing homes already available on the market,” he said.

“For years, Katter’s Australian Party has continuously called on the State Labor Government to expand their First Home Owner Grant to existing homes in rural and regional areas to the point where we tabled a Bill in parliament last year.”

Under the KAP’s First Home Owner Grant (Rural and Regional Areas) Amendment Bill 2019, first home owners would have the option of using the State’s $15,000 First Home Owners’ Grant to purchase or do renovations to an existing, detached home under $300,000 in rural and regional Queensland.

“Our Bill focused on boosting local economies, jobs and preventing a population drift away from those areas,” Mr Dametto said.

“Those I’ve spoken to in the real estate industry are very much behind this policy, as is the Real Estate Institute of Queensland, the Housing Industry Association and Townsville Enterprise. Now we need the Federal Government to come on board with their new scheme and I believe the State should match grant funding for Queensland applicants to ensure our population gets the maximum benefit out of this scheme.

“A broad-based scheme like this would make it easier for regional Queensland families to break into the housing market.

“The dream of home ownership should be attainable for all Queenslanders, no matter where you live. Katter’s Australian Party backs them all the way.”