4 June 2020
THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S announcement today of the HomeBuilder stimulus package designed to stimulate building activity and protect jobs is just what the doctor ordered.
Master Builders CEO, Grant Galvin said the industry’s calls for assistance have definitely been heard and the package will be key to ensuring residential construction in Queensland doesn’t fall off a cliff by August or September.
“The $25,000 HomeBuilder package will certainly head off the looming crisis facing the industry, by ensuring demand for new homes is boosted, protecting thousands of building industry jobs,” Mr Galvin said.
“This latest round of stimulus, which will commence immediately, is so important as it’s another piece of the stimulus puzzle and will support other measures announced recently by the Queensland Government.
“Enquiries and contracts were already starting to dry up, so we have no doubt this package will be the shot in the arm our industry needs and a real confidence booster for anyone thinking of building or undertaking a major renovation.
“We’re also hoping the Queensland Government will come to the party and follow suit by expanding the $15,000 First Home Owners’ Grant to all new home builds.
“That would put Queensland firmly at the front of the game and mean anyone building a new home in Queensland would be eligible for $40,000 towards their new home, not just first home buyers.
“We’re also asking the Queensland Government to urgently bring forward and consider new opportunities for social housing – whether this be a new social housing construction program or maintenance of existing stock.
“Programs like this have a clear community benefit, as well as ensuring the industry has a clear pipeline of work and certainty, and support smaller contractors, who won’t necessarily see the benefit of the new home stimulus or the renovation package on offer.
“The renovation component of the package is also welcome – let’s face it, any stimulus is good stimulus.
“We have fielded some enquiries as to why the minimum spend is $150,000 and while it would have been nice for smaller renovations to be included, the data we’ve seen so far suggests the renovation market has been busy in recent months, particularly for smaller projects like bathrooms and kitchens.
“We’re confident the stimulus will ensure the money is spent where it’s needed.
“At the end of the day, though, we need the Queensland Government to consider their options and make decisions swiftly, so that home owners have the confidence to proceed and sign a contract immediately and a clear pipeline of projected work is put in place.”
ENDS
Media enquiries:
Julie Russell, Manager Communications & Media via email at julie.russell@mbqld.com.au or on 3225 6436
Leah Kidd, Communications Advisor at leah.kidd@mbqld.com.au or 3225 6424
Christine Buzzard, Digital Communications Advisor at christine.buzzard@mbqld.com.au or 3225 6418
Major Sponsors
