April 1, 2022
The rental housing shortage in the South Burnett has created a headache for one of the region’s main not-for-profit organisations.
South Burnett CTC has joined the housing queue, looking for two types of accommodation to support young people.
CTC Youth and Community Services manager Kirsten Firman said the group had young people who were ready to live by themselves, with some support.
“These young people are keen to be more independent. While they have some challenges, they will continue to receive support from CTC while they settle and learn to manage a place of their own,” Ms Firman said.
“CTC would rent the property and then sub-lease it to the young people.
“In this way, CTC remains responsible to make sure the property is returned in the condition (or better) than when it was rented.
“To be independent, these young people need to be able to walk or pushbike to the shops, school, TAFE or their workplace, so in Kingaroy town is ideal.
“It can be a unit, a duplex or a house. Ideally a couple of young people would share to support each other.”
CTC CEO Nina Temperton said she knows there are vacant houses in Kingaroy.
“There are people who don’t want to sell at the moment, but are afraid to enter the rental market,” she said.
She said by CTC being the the organisation responsible for the rental, the risk was greatly decreased.
All the young people who would be offered the residences had been screened and would be supported by CTC.
“CTC can be very flexible when it comes to rentals, with arrangements that will suit the owner,” she said.
“We would prefer longer-term rentals but even three months would be better than nothing.”
CTC are also after a second type of accommodation for children that need more support.
One or two CTC staff members would be in the rental property at all times to care for them.
“These houses can be in town or outside town,” Ms Firman said.
“While many of these children have experienced significant issues outside their control, CTC has a track record of looking after houses they rent and repairing any damage made.
“We pride ourselves in returning houses better than when we get them.
“If you have a property and would be prepared to give this a try, we would be happy to have a conversation with you and talk about how it may work.”
For more information, contact South Burnett CTC on (07) 4162-7788.
