Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt has welcomed today’s HomeBuilder program aimed at boosting the construction industry.

The Prime Minister announced the package this morning which will provide a $25,000 grant to eligible owner-occupiers – not just first home buyers – to build a new home or substantially renovate an existing home.

“This package will keep our local builders, plumbers, electricians, tilers, apprentices and trainees in their jobs,” Mr Pitt said.

“But it’s not just the workers on the tools, it’s the hardware shop, the timber yard, the flooring company, the paint shop, that will supply the materials for this construction.”

To be eligible for the HomeBuilder program, Australians need to earn less than $125,000 for singles or $200,000 for couples, and build a new home as a principal place of residence valued up to $750,000 or renovating an existing residential home with renovations valued between $150,000 and $750,000.

“To get this program moving quickly, construction must start within three months of the contract date and the program will run until 31 December 2020.

“There are a number of checks and balances to ensure that this funding does what it’s meant to, including the funding will go direct to the individuals, not the contractors; and renovations or building work must be done by a registered or licenced building contractor,” Mr Pitt said.

According to housing data from the ABS, from April 2019 to March 2020 there were 296 residential dwellings approved in Bundaberg and 751 at the Fraser Coast.

“Both state and local governments have a role to play in helping in whatever way they can, whether that’s streamlining processes or providing additional incentives.

“The HomeBuilder program will complement existing State and Territory first home owner grants, and I’ve seen reports in the media today that some states have committed to boosting this further, which is a great result.”