The Australian and Queensland Governments are helping improve the resilience of strata title properties in North Queensland against future tropical cyclones.
Through the Strata Resilience Program (SRP), grants of up to $150,000 covering 75 per cent of eligible improvement costs, are available per body corporate to undertake resilience works including:
- Roof replacements including structural tie down upgrades.
- Replacement of external hollow core doors with solid core doors.
- Replacement of old style louvres.
- Window protection.
- Replacement of existing garage doors.
- Development of a cyclone preparedness plan.
To access their share of the $60 million program, strata title properties must be located in a cyclone risk area (within 100 kilometres of the coastline from Rockhampton, north to the Torres Strait and west of the Queensland/Northern Territory border).
To be eligible for the SRP, properties must first participate in the Queensland Department of Housing and Public Works' Strata Inspection Program (SIP) delivered in partnership with the James Cook University Cyclone Testing Station:
- As part of the Inspection Program, property inspections and assessments will be provided at no cost to the bodies corporate.
- Bodies corporate will receive an inspection report with information about the existing resilience of their properties and strategies to improve that resilience – including undertaking eligible improvement works through the SRP.
- Properties inspected under the North Queensland Strata Title Inspection Program (NQSTIP) established in 2018 can use existing reports to apply for the SRP without requiring a further inspection.
As at 30 June 2025, 299 registrations for the SIP have been received with 183 reports issued. Under the SRP, 66 applications have been submitted, with 34 grants awarded supporting over $3.6 million worth of resilience works.
Bodies corporate that would like to participate in the Strata Inspection Program can register their interest at James Cook University’s website and eligible bodies corporate can apply for funding under the SRP at the Queensland Government’s website.
Quote attributable to NEMA First Assistant Coordinator-General, Policy and Programs, Melissa Ryan:
“Through the Strata Resilience Program, the Australian Government has partnered with the Queensland Government and supported by James Cook University to help open yet another pathway for communities to reduce the physical, social and economic risks of tropical cyclones.
“I encourage eligible bodies corporate to register for a free inspection and assessment, and to apply for the funding that’s available.”
Quote attributable to Queensland Department of Housing and Public Works, Deputy Director-General of Public Works, Graham Atkins:
“This initiative is just one of the ways the Australian and Queensland Governments are helping North Queenslanders build disaster resilience.
“Through this program, we can raise awareness of the cyclone risks faced by strata title properties, highlight the effects of future tropical cyclones, and support them in taking serious action to minimise potential damage.”
Quote attributable to James Cook University, Strata Title Inspection Program Manager, Patrick Driscoll:
“The Cyclone Testing Station at JCU is proud to deliver the Strata Inspection Program, which gives bodies corporate in North Queensland expert, independent assessments of their buildings’ cyclone resilience—at no cost to them.
“These inspections help identify practical upgrades that can reduce future damage and, ultimately, put downward pressure on insurance premiums. It’s a smart investment in more resilient buildings and communities.”
Further information
These programs follow the delivery of the NQSTIP undertaken by JCU on behalf of the Queensland Government since 2018.
Launched in June 2024, the SRP has a budget of $60 million, comprised of $40 million from the Australian Government and a further $20 million from the Queensland Government.
Funding for the program is limited, and grants will be awarded until the funding capacity is met.
