Home ownership plan for Palm Island residents

By PETER ROWE

The Queensland Government has announced a new rent-to-buy scheme to boost home ownership on Palm Island where only 1.4 per cent of residents own their own home.

The scheme will allow residents to purchase their Department of Housing-owned home by entering into a rent-to-buy agreement with the Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council.

Following completion of the payment plan, a 99-year home ownership lease will be registered, and ownership of the dwelling will be transferred.

Up to 300 socials homes owned by the Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council will be made available through the scheme for residents to buy in the coming years.

Queensland’s overall home ownership rate is 64 per cent, but this drops to only 38 per cent for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander households.

“We are working in partnership with local leaders to give First Nations people the opportunity to own their own home where they previously haven’t been able to,” Housing Minister Sam O’Connor said.

“Subsidised modular homes will also be delivered to the island over coming weeks to ensure more homes are being added to this community.

“Through these initiatives, we aim to provide ongoing opportunities for Indigenous businesses and support a pipeline of skilled First Nations workers.

“Unlocking home ownership is a practical, tangible way of supporting aspiration and we’re determined to help more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people achieve this dream.”

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson said Palm Island was a community committed to self-determination, which had put in the hard work to achieve great outcomes in the future.

“We know from our consultation with Mayor Lacey and the Palm Island community that home ownership is a key priority, it’s something they’re passionate about and it’s something we’re keen to make happen,” Ms Simpson said.

“This is not a one-size fits all approach. We’ll be listening to, and working with, other remote and discrete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to understand their needs and specific priorities around housing, health and education.”