A large-scale Queensland project aimed at “building back better” following this year’s devastating floods catastrophe was launched today, with residents invited to apply for buy-backs or grants to raise, repair, or retrofit their home.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says the $741 million Resilient Homes Fund, which insurers have been consulted on, will help make properties more flood resilient.

“This is the largest home resilience program of its kind to ever be delivered in Australia,” she said.

“We can’t stop floods from occurring, but we can take steps to reduce their impact.”

The scheme will be jointly funded by the Commonwealth Government. Prime Minister Scott Morrison initially declined to help fund it but was forced into a u-turn following criticism of that decision.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles says Queensland is the most disaster-impacted state in Australia, with flooding being the highest risk to communities.

“This isn’t just about building back, it’s about building back better,” he said.

“We know from initial assessments following the South East Queensland floods that there were nearly 7000 homes with some degree of damage and more than 3600 of these were uninhabitable.

“That’s why we fought so hard to ensure we could provide as much support to as many flood-affected Queenslanders as possible.”

Minister for Public Works Mick de Brenni says the program is “nation-leading”.

“It is a significant program and we’re working with councils, industry and insurers to ensure the right assistance is provided to maximise the benefit to every affected homeowner,” he said.

“We’re now asking flood-affected Queenslanders within the eligible local government areas who are interested in a voluntary buy-back, house raising or retrofitting for resilience following the floods, to come forward, register their details and that will trigger the start of the process.”

Click here for details on registration.