Member for Burnett, Stephen Bennett is urging Burnett and Bundaberg residents considering buying their first home to apply for the Newman Government’s $15,000 Great Start Grant.
Mr Bennett said more Queenslanders were realising their dream of home ownership thanks to the grant, which is available to first home buyers who are building or buying a new house, townhouse, apartment or unit, including off-the-plan properties and owner-builder projects.
“This Government is determined to help more Queenslanders into their first homes, which is why we more than doubled Labor’s first home owners’ grant to $15,000,” Mr Bennett said.
“I realise that for young couples and families money is always a constraint, which is why I am encouraging all eligible Burnett and Bundaberg residents to take advantage of the $15,000 on offer.”
Mr Bennett said the Newman Government had launched a new Great Start Grant website and advertising campaign aimed at promoting the advantages of the grant.
“We want to make sure all Burnett and Bundaberg residents looking to move into their first home are aware of the grant so no one misses out,” he said.
“The advertising will really tap into the aspirations of first homebuyers and their families.
“The Great Start Grant is also about boosting the region’s construction industry, one of Queensland’s four economic pillars.
“It is also vitally important to the Burnett’s economy, employing 9.1% of our workforce.”
Mr Bennett said the Great Start Grant was a sustainable and targeted investment in the property and construction industry.
“It’s not a short-term sugar hit. It’s here to stay,” he said.
“Knowing there is a $15,000 grant available will encourage Queenslanders to buy new, rather than old.
“The Great Start Grant is just one of many initiatives we have implemented to make home ownership more affordable.
“Last year we reinstated the Principal Place of Residence Concession, which was scrapped by the former Labor Government, saving Burnett residents up to $7000 on the purchase of the family home, whether it be new or well established.
“We’ve also made it easier to buy and sell homes by scrapping sustainability declarations and giving people the choice to include rainwater tanks and energy efficient hot water systems in new homes.”
Full eligibility criteria and application forms for the Great Start Grant are available at www.qld.gov.au/greatstartgrant