Regulation Amendment – Expanded Home Raise Eligibility Criteria

We are pleased to inform you that the regulation amendment we announced in August 2023 to expand the home raise eligibility criteria has been successfully passed.  The key changes include:

• Extending the $100,000 Home Raise program (including demolition, rebuild or relocate) funding to homeowners whose existing habitable floor level is below the assessed flood level OR the 2021-22 flood event level. The original requirement was that homeowners needed to meet both criteria. Now homeowners must only meet one criteria and funding will be capped at $100,000.
• Expanding a new option under the Home Raise program to allow homeowners to apply for up to $50,000 funding to raise , demolish and rebuild or relocate the non-habitable floor level (for example, a downstairs laundry or storage area) above both the 2021-22 flood event level and assessed flood level. This funding is capped at $50,000.

If these options are not feasible, homeowners should progress with the Retrofit Program to make their home more resilient to future flooding.

Next steps:

Your next steps depend on where you are in the process:

• If you've had a one-on-one appointment, received your eligibility letter and have a detailed quote:
  Congratulations on reaching this stage! You can now proceed to the next step by applying for funding through the QRIDA portal. Ensure you have all the necessary documents, including your eligibility letter and the detailed quote from your licensed contractor.
• If you have your eligibility letter but haven't engaged a licensed contractor:
  Great news! The program has been extended by two years. The new deadline for funding applications is 1 December 2025, with all works to be completed by 30 June 2026.
  
  Use our contractor register in partnership with the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) to find a suitable builder.
• If you haven’t had a one-on-one appointment and are interested in pursuing this opportunity:
  There’s still time! We have appointments available during business hours (9am to 5pm). Simply call the team on 13 QGOV (13 74 68). More information below.

Additional Recommendations:

• Consider the program extension: The extended timeline provides flexibility. Take advantage of this additional time to plan and execute your flood resilience works.
• Be mindful of industry breaks: It may be challenging to find a builder during holiday periods. Waiting until early 2024 is advised for a smoother process.
• Prepare documentation: If you haven't already, gather all necessary documentation, including your Home Assessment Report and eligibility letter (if you have one). Having these ready will streamline the application process when you decide to move forward.
• Consider your personal circumstances: We encourage you to consider where you might live while works are taking place and associated costs including rent, earthworks, asbestos removal (if applicable), architect plans and council approvals. See eligible costs.

How do I know if I am eligible?

To find out if you’re eligible for the expanded Home Raising program, you need to have a one-on-one appointment and receive an eligibility letter. If you have already completed works and improved your flood resilience or are currently undertaking works approved by QRIDA through a Letter of Offer, you are not eligible for the expanded program. For more information on eligibility, visit our website.

One-on-one appointments

Our dedicated team is actively engaging with homeowners, offering personalised program guidance based on individual circumstances. This includes assisting with the navigation of the eligibility expansion and helping homeowners make informed decisions about the program that best suits their unique needs.

How to book an appointment:

• To schedule a one-on-one appointment with a technical advisor, please call our team at 13 QGOV (13 74 68) during business hours (9am to 5pm).
• Appointments are flexible and conducted over the phone.

Service availability for licensed contractors:

• Our one-on-one appointments extend beyond homeowners. Licensed contractors seeking technical guidance on flood resilience strategies and assistance in structuring quotes for a straightforward Value for Money assessment are also encouraged to take advantage of this service.

Taking the next step:

• If you are intrigued by this opportunity but have not yet engaged with our team, we strongly encourage you to book a one-on-one appointment. This will provide you with valuable insights and guidance tailored to your specific situation.

We appreciate your proactive engagement in this process, and our team is here to support you every step of the way. Don't hesitate to reach out, and let's work together to enhance the flood resilience of your home.