March 29, 2022
The Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has joined with other business organisations across the State to express concerns about the housing crisis in Queensland.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) said 11 Chambers of Commerce were highlighting how the crisis was affecting regional Queensland businesses.
“It’s hard to employ people when there is nowhere for them to live,” a CCIQ spokesperson said.
“From the far north to the south-west corner of the State, Queensland businesses are facing disruptions to their ability to grow and scale as the widespread housing crisis puts pressure on the labour force.”
The other Chambers to join the CCIQ campaign are from Bowen, Caloundra, Canungra, Gladstone, Goondiwindi, Hills and Districts, Kilcoy, Logan, Redlands and Stradbroke Island.
CCIQ spokesperson Amanda Rohan said regional Queensland businesses were disproportionately affected.
“We’re hearing as part of CCIQ’s Regional Policy Committees the housing crisis is widespread and in some regions the impact on local businesses is critical,” Ms Rohan said.
“A lack of housing accessibility in those regions makes it all the more difficult for the right skills to relocate to the right places, when and where they’re needed most.”
KCCI president Damien Martoo said the situation in the South Burnett was “desperate”.
“We are seeing more people sleeping rough in our region which is something that has never really been visible before,” Mr Martoo said.
“Our manufacturers and trades are desperate for skilled staff who want to come to work in the region but due to the lack of accommodation they cannot get here. If they do, they are paying for motel accommodation.
“The ongoing issue is having a negative impact on people’s wellbeing and consumer confidence.
“If people don’t feel secure in their housing they will be pinching every penny in the hope to find anything even if it is outside of a comfortable budget.”
The CCIQ has joined other peak groups in calling for a National Housing Summit.
They have written to the Federal Housing Minister Michael Sukkar and the Shadow Housing Minister Jason Clare urgently seeking a National Housing Summit to kickstart a collaboration of all tiers of government and industry.
The letter details the impact a “perfect housing storm” is having on Queensland and its resulting social challenges for individuals, families and local communities.
The peak bodies calling for a National Housing Summit are:
- Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland
- Growcom
- Infrastructure Association of Queensland
- Local Government Association of Queensland
- Queensland Farmers’ Federation
- Queensland Resources Council
- QShelter
- Royal Automobile Club of Queensland
- St Vincent de Paul Society
- Urban Development Institute of Australia
- Waste Recycling Industry Association Queensland
Download: The joint letter (359kb PDF)
Thank you for publishing this fantastic article. As president of the KCCI we will continue to elevate issues like this with the backing of CCIQ. There isn’t a quick fix to the problem but many solutions available that take many stakeholders to join on a united path.