Fraser Coast Council in Queensland is giving low-income earners assistance to enter the local housing market.
Council has launched the Fraser Coast Building Grant Program with funds from the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Program.
\Under the initiative, low-income earners can gain a $10,000 grant from Council to enter the Fraser Coast housing market.
“Thanks to the federal government we’ve been able to invest funds not expended in the Hervey Bay Affordable Housing Program into a scheme available for all Fraser Coast low-income earners,” Fraser Coast Mayor Chris Loft said.
“The scheme will help many families achieve the great Australian dream of owning their own home.
“It is fantastic that we’ve been able to extend the grant to cover all of the Fraser Coast which will open up opportunities for property developers, agents, builders, tradies and building supply companies across the region.”
Applicants will also be able to apply for the State Government’s Queensland First Home Owners’ Grant, which provides $15,000 or $20,000 towards buying or building a new house, unit or townhouse (valued at less than $750,000).
The Fraser Coast grant was good news for the smaller communities, Infrastructure and Planning Portfolio Councillor Denis Chapman said.
“Through this grant, eligible applicants can build anywhere in the region,” he said.
“There are many people who want to live in our smaller communities who will be able to apply for the grant.”
The grant will also boost the regional economy.
“The building industry is a major regional employer. This scheme will go a long way to help create work for tradies and building supply companies and boost the regional economy,” Cr Loft said.
The program is open to applicants over 18 years of age who are building a new home and receive an annual gross income less than $85,000 (single applicant) or less than $100,000 for two or
more applicants.
The dwelling must be completed within 12 months.
