How $267m building lift will help homebuyers, tradies
Mackay industry leader: ‘This will go a long way in cushioning any downturn that has been predicted’
Property
Don't miss out on the headlines from Property. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THOSE in the market for a new home in Mackay should be "very happy" about the $267 million Queensland building stimulus package.
That is according to Master Builders Mackay Whitsunday regional manager Malcolm Hull, who has welcomed the State Government's building boost.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today announced a new $5000 regional home building grant for any newly built home outside of southeast Queensland.
The grant will come on top of the existing $15,000 first homeowners grants, which Ms Palaszczuk confirmed would also be extended.
"This will mean first home buyers in regional Queensland could be eligible to receive a grant of up to $45,000 for a newly built home when combined with the Federal Government's grant support," she said.
More stories:
New cafe is brewing international flavours
Hospitality industry's future post-COVID-19
Mackay businessman steps down from development group
Mr Hull said the announcement was well received by industry groups.
"Those in the market for a new home should be very happy about this as well because it's an incentive that doesn't come around very often," he said.
To provide additional support for tradies and to respond to the homelessness impacts from COVID-19, Ms Palaszczuk said the government would commit another $100 million to accelerate a program of works for tradies' housing projects to be commenced over the next six months.
"This will support 240 jobs in the construction industry," she said.
Mr Hull said the initiative would help save local building jobs on the chopping block in the coming months due to COVID-19.
Subscriber benefits:
How to make the most of your digital subscription
Daily puzzles and Sudoku another reason to stay subscribed
Last month, forecasts from the Housing Industry Association predicted the demand for new homes to be built would fall almost 50 per cent, putting half a million jobs at risk over the next year.
"There is still concern the housing industry is going to drop considerably over the next year," Mr Hull said.
"Hopefully these measures will prevent that from happening.
"This will go a long way in cushioning any downturn that has been predicted."
North Qld resort feud over pool access for patrons
A longstanding feud between a Queensland resort’s body corporate and the owner of its bar has escalated with the body corporate’s shock threat to close down the pool.
REVEALED: What’s shaping Mackay in 2025
2024 was packed with a historic state election, huge commitments to the region and big developments breaking ground or being approved. Find out what’s shaping Mackay in 2025 and beyond.