Published on 02 October 2025
Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council has been advised that funding for QBuild home maintenance and repairs has been significantly reduced by the Queensland Government. Essential works relating to health and safety, such as electrical, sewerage, and other urgent issues, will continue to be addressed, and upgrades to houses already nominated will still go ahead. However, many general maintenance requests, including those reported on the “Blue Phone,” may not be attended to immediately. This reduction is not isolated to Hope Vale and has affected all Queensland communities with public housing, along with other State Government departments that have also been directed to reduce expenditure on nominated activities. Council is particularly concerned about the flow-on effects for local subcontractors, with a significant reduction in available trade work expected across the community. Mayor Bruce Gibson said the impact would be felt widely in Hope Vale. "These cuts will affect not only the timeliness of home repairs for our residents, but also the amount of trade work available in our community," Mayor Gibson said. "Council is doing everything we can to advocate for a solution, and we have requested a meeting with the Minister to raise our concerns directly. Our priority is ensuring safe homes for our people and sustainable work for our local contractors." Discussions with the Department indicate that they are considering options to reallocate funding from other areas, though Council has been advised not to expect an immediate resolution. Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council will continue to work closely with the Department and is actively seeking an appointment with the Minister to discuss the issue and its impacts on our community. ENDS