A HOME ownership scheme developed by Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council, aimed at giving more First Nations people a chance to own their own home, would see 300 social homes owned by the council potentially made available for residents to buy over the next 10 years through a 99-year home ownership lease.
The Miles Queensland government will work in partnership with the community and council on the scheme, identifying legislative barriers and considering options to address them, and ensuring that the scheme would be sustainable for homeowners and council.
If approved and implemented for an initial cohort of homeowners, the scheme could be rolled out in a staged process.
The home ownership rate in Queensland is about 67%, according to the state government, but for First Nations households, the figure is a much lower 42%.
“Breaking down housing the barriers for First Nations Queenslanders to purchase their own homes is critically important to our combined effort to Close the Gap,” Premier Steven Miles said.
The Miles government said the scheme “bolsters the vision for a fairer housing system for First Nations peoples in Queensland”, outlined in its Our Place: A First Nations Housing and Homelessness Action Plan 2024-2037 and Roadmap to 2031.
Our Place is backed by a $61.3 million investment over four years, including $10 million committed under Homes for Queenslanders to increase First Nations homeownership rates.
“I have spoken extensively with Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council about this plan for a number of years and advocated extensively, so I’m extremely excited to see it happening,” said Member for Townsville and Ministerial Champion for Palm Island Scott Stewart.
“This is an important first step which will give people on Palm Island a chance to have their own home.
“We will continue to work directly with the council and the broader community on making this happen.
