Housing solutions for Queenslanders

One of our biggest challenges as a country is providing sufficient affordable housing to ensure every Australian has a secure roof over their head.

Housing is a complex issue and here in Queensland we need to be looking at a range of solutions, both short and long-term, to provide enough adequate housing for Queenslanders.

Our government has a record $5 billion investment to deliver 13,500 social and affordable homes by 2027, but we know more needs to be done - and at a quicker pace.

Which is why we’re thinking outside the box and looking at innovative solutions in housing including in the areas of social and affordable housing, planning reform, unlocking land, affordable renting, and providing housing for essential workers.

Here’s an overview of just some of the major highlights in housing:

JOIN THE FIGHT

Factory-built modular homes

We’re investing in the fast-turnaround of small factory-built modular homes that can be rolled out to communities experiencing housing shortages.

One such example is ModnPods on the Gold Coast which has increased its production of small pod homes from 20 to 200 a year.

In just one year, ModnPods has reduced build times by 70 per cent and up to 200 pods will roll off the production line in the year ahead, including some purpose-built government employee housing.

Limiting rent increases to once a year

The Palaszczuk Government has announced it would support renters by limiting rent increases to once a year, rather than every six months.

The annual limit on rent increases will apply to all new and existing tenancies from 1 July 2023 onwards. This brings us in line with other states and territories.

Renters support

Renters will have access to free and independent advice after the Palaszczuk Government committed $44.4 million to continue tenant support service for another five years.

The funding will allow Tenants Queensland to continue QSTARS which has been providing information to tenants on their rights and responsibilities, support to resolve tenancy issues and assistance when talking to landlords or property managers.

The service was established after the LNP cut funding to tenancy support services across Queensland, and rejected Federal Government funding for it at the time.

Funding for flood-proofing of homes

We’re also investing in flood-proofing to create more resilient homes. We recently announced home raising eligibility is expanding, with up to 1,000 additional Queensland homeowners able to access funding to help them raise their homes.

Find out more here.

Housing Australia Future Fund

Federally, Labor has an important plan to deliver 30,000 affordable homes within its first five years.

This includes 20,000 new social housing homes - 4,000 of which would be allocated to women fleeing domestic violence, and older women at risk of homelessness, and a further 10,000 affordable rentals for frontline workers like police, nurses and cleaners.

The funding also includes:

  • $200 million to repair, maintain and improve remote Indigenous housing.

  • $100 million for crisis and transitional housing for women and children leaving or experiencing domestic and family violence, and older women on low incomes who are at risk of homelessness; and

  • $30 million to build housing and fund specialist services for veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.

The Albanese Government has also agreed to provide an additional $3b in assistance to state governments to fund the construction of more social housing.

The Albanese Government remains committed to this legislation and is also working with all states and territories to increase housing supply sooner. Find out more here.