September 20, 2022
Five public housing dwellings have been sold in the South Burnett during the past seven years, but five new houses have also been constructed, figures released by Housing Minister Leeanne Enoch reveal.
As well, the Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy has commenced three more new homes.
The Minister said that as at August 31, contracts have been awarded for 42 new homes in the Wide Bay-Burnett region, including seven within the South Burnett.
These seven new homes include two being delivered in partnership with a community housing provider.
Minister Enoch said the State Government had made a decision in March to pause the sale of public housing in south-east Queensland.
“This was in direct response to the flooding event and increased demand for social housing, to further maximise the number of homes available for Queenslanders in need,” she said.
“As more opportunities to deliver new social housing in the South Burnett LGA are identified, they will be assessed and included in the program where appropriate.”
Minister Enoch released the figures in response to a Question On Notice from Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington.
On August 16, Mrs Frecklington asked the Minister to provide:
(a) The number of homes sold since 2015,
(b) How many homes have been built or purchased to replace those that have been sold, and
(c) How the funds from the sales of these homes have been utilised by the State Government?
Minister Enoch said it was a requirement under the Housing Act 2003 that proceeds of the sale of portfolio property be retained within the Housing Fund for the provision of housing services, including grants to registered providers, loans to individuals, the acquisition of property or the administration of the Act.
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South Burnett Regional Council has reminded residents that registrations are now open for the rescheduled South Burnett Housing and Homelessness Forum which will be held from 9:00am-3:00pm on October 7 at the Nanango Cultural Centre.
The forum aims to discuss possible solutions to the South Burnett’s housing shortage.
Registrations can be made online
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