March 13, 2024
Councils can play a big role in addressing homelessness, says Queensland’s peak housing group, QShelter.
QShelter has written to all mayoral and councillor candidates standing in the State’s 77 local government areas to outline its ideas.
Executive director Fiona Caniglia said Queensland’s housing challenges were well-documented but councils could play an important role in solving current problems.
“Local governments are engaged with people at all points of the housing crisis, from planning processes and supply, local regulations on short-term rentals, or front-line contact with people experiencing homelessness,” Ms Caniglia said.
“In terms of public attitudes and response to homelessness, they are also key to engagement with the broader community.
“They often field local concerns about visible homelessness, the welfare of those experiencing homelessness and community concerns about housing diversity and density.”
QShelter said data from the Queensland Government statistician’s office provided the following insights for South Burnett:
- Annual growth rate of 0.7 per cent over the past 10 years, which is lower than the State average of 1.5 per cent
- 59.9 per cent of people in the most disadvantaged quintile, significantly higher than other regions
- 76.8 per cent of social housing applicants were assessed as being in very high need, compared to 56.9 per cent of all State applicants
- Comparatively lower levels of rental stress, with 22.2 per cent of low-income households experiencing rental stress
- Comparatively lower levels of mortgage stress, with 34.2 per cent of low-income households experiencing mortgage stress
QShelter says Council planning schemes were crucial for developing successful housing supply strategies.
“These include fast-tracked approval processes for social and affordable housing projects and ensuring land supply and housing targets are aligned with population projections for the region,” Ms Caniglia said.
“Councils could also consider further regulating short-term rental accommodation to incentivise the retention of housing in the private rental market.”
QShelter said councils could also offer discounts on development application fees, infrastructure charges and rates for social and affordable housing projects.
And councils should also try to work with community housing providers who can take advantage of increased funding opportunities from the State and Federal government.
