Builder Charged with Fraudulent Activities in Far North Queensland Flood Reconstruction

Strategic Insights -

Ty Gregory Jones, 38, of Freshwater, has been charged with 19 fraud-related offenses after allegedly taking money from Far North Queensland flood victims, promising reconstruction work but failing to deliver. Police allege that between July 2024 and June 2025, Jones engaged in multiple fraudulent activities, including failing to pay for accommodation, receiving payment for contracted work which was not completed, and using false identification. The builder, who operated under the business name A&A Building and Construction, had a Queensland Building and Construction Commission license until April 30, when it was cancelled due to a failure to comply with an audit. Jones was also the director of Heartland Constructions, which was voluntarily wound up in May 2022 due to a combined creditor claim of $784,988.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jones was charged with 19 fraud-related offenses, including wilful damage, fraud, forgery, and uttering.
  • The alleged fraudulent activities occurred between July 2024 and June 2025.
  • Jones failed to pay for accommodation, received payment for contracted work which was not completed, and used false identification.
  • A&A Building and Construction had a Queensland Building and Construction Commission license until its cancellation in April 2023.
  • Heartland Constructions was voluntarily wound up in May 2022 due to a combined creditor claim of $784,988.
  • Jones' previous charges, which included breaches of bail, were described as "like" offenses of a fraud nature.
  • The new fraud charges total more than $60,000.

Statistics:

  • 19 fraud-related charges were laid against Jones.
  • The alleged fraudulent activities occurred over a period of 12 months.
  • A combined creditor claim of $784,988 was made against Heartland Constructions in May 2022.
  • Jones' license as a builder and trade contractor was cancelled on April 30.
  • The police investigation into Jones began after a protracted investigation.
  • Jones was on bail for 22 other serious offenses at the time of his arrest.

Sources:

  • Queensland Police
  • Cairns Post, Peter Carruthers (March 31, 2023, article)
  • Queensland Building and Construction Commission (license records)
  • Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) (company records)