Great Start for Great Start Grant

7 Apr 2014 10:59 AMMichael Hart

 

Great Start for Great Start Grant

Almost 600 Gold Coast families have taken the opportunity to buy their first home with the help of the Newman Government’s $15,000 Great Start Grant.

Member for Burleigh Michael Hart MP said the program announced in the 2012-13 Budget had now paid out 595 grants on the Gold Coast.

“We promised at the election to kick-start the construction industry, after it stagnated under the former Labor government, by encouraging new entrants into the housing market,” Mr Hart said.

“That’s exactly what the Great Start Grants are doing.

“The Government has paid out almost $9 million in grants on the Gold Coast, leading to many millions more being injected into the construction industry as first home buyers purchase their new homes.”

Mr Hart construction was one of the four pillars of the Queensland economy but was particularly important on the Gold Coast, with 11.3 per cent of the region’s total workforce employed in the industry.

“The results speak for themselves,” he said.

“Building approvals on the Gold Coast have increased by an impressive 43.1 per cent in the 12 months to February 2014.

“The value of approvals has increased by more than $250 million.”

“This shows the Newman Government’s efforts to grow this vital pillar of the Gold Coast economy are having a positive effect.”

Mr Hart said the increase in building approvals followed strong employment growth on the Coast.

“There are now 3,500 more full-time jobs on the Gold Coast than 12 months ago,” he said.

Mr Hart the Great Start Grant was available to first home buyers, purchasing or building a new house, townhouse or unit valued at up to $750,000.

More information about the grant and eligibility criteria is available at https://greatstartgrant.osr.qld.gov.au/ ( https://greatstartgrant.osr.qld.gov.au/ ).

[ENDS] 7 April 014

Contact: Burleigh Electorate Office – 5526 6024