News
19 August, 2024
Work taken to allow Palm Island residents to puchase homes
The Queensland Government is supporting a community-led initiative to boost home ownership on Palm Island, working in partnership with the Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council to develop the Palm Island Home Ownership Scheme.
The Queensland Government is supporting a community-led initiative to boost home ownership on Palm Island, working in partnership with the Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council to develop the Palm Island Home Ownership Scheme.
The proposed scheme would allow residents to purchase up to 300 council-owned social homes over the next decade through a 99-year home ownership lease. The government will collaborate with the council and the community to address legislative barriers and ensure the scheme’s long-term sustainability.
Dr Steven Miles said the initiative was part of a broader effort to support First Nations home ownership.
“Every Queensland family deserves the chance to own their own home,” Dr Miles said.
“Breaking down housing barriers for First Nations Queenslanders is critical to Closing the Gap.”
Housing Minister Ms Meaghan Scanlon highlighted the disparity in home ownership rates, with 67 per cent of Queensland households owning their home, compared to just 42 per cent of First Nations households.
The initiative aligns with the government’s Our Place: A First Nations Housing and Homelessness Action Plan 2024-2037, which is backed by a $61.3 million investment over four years, including $10 million under Homes for Queenslanders to support First Nations home ownership.
