Queenslanders want to see a brighter housing future

The Palaszczuk Government has released its Housing Strategy Consultation Report, which is being used to help to develop Queensland’s new 10-year Housing Strategy.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Minister Mick de Brenni said the consultation report release marked the end of a comprehensive state-wide community engagement process that began in March 2016.

“Our Government is focussed on transforming housing in Queensland to make sure that everyone has a safe, secure and affordable place to call home,” he said.

“What is clear from the consultation is that no matter what people’s circumstances are or where they were from, Queenslanders want a clear plan for a secure and affordable housing future.

“People submitted fantastic ideas on how to make housing more affordable, how to improve the sustainability of our homes and how government can help encourage new innovative types of housing to help build stronger, more connected communities.

“Improving the diversity of housing and housing design were common themes, reflecting the government’s focus on advancing our cities and regions.

“People also want to see a fair and responsive housing assistance system, with better supports for people when they need it. It’s about making sure people don’t fall through the cracks.”

Mr de Brenni said the consultation had provided clear focus for the development of the new plan, including a pathway to reform public housing.

“A focus on the younger generation and providing greater opportunities for social and economic participation will be a feature of the new Housing Strategy.

“We know that intergenerational dependency on public housing assistance has a significant impact on communities. What I’ve found is that some of our current policy settings can act as a disincentive for people, preventing them from forging their own housing pathways, especially when it comes to young people who want to learn or study.

“What we have learned from the building and property industry is that we need to look at the way public housing is built so that it better reflects community standards, enlivens streetscapes and helps to build more connected communities.

“This work is already beginning with our new $1 billion Better Neighbourhoods program in Logan.”

Mr de Brenni said that it is clear that the community wants changes to Retirement Villages, Manufactured Homes and the rules around renting in Queensland.

“People across the State showed a real desire for fairer, more transparent rules for everyone when it comes to retirement villages and manufactured homes.

“These areas have been subject to review over successive governments and I am committed to making sure that real action takes place.”

Mr de Brenni said more than 1,870 people had given their views on what should be in the Housing Strategy in 76 consultation and engagement sessions in areas from Thursday Island to the Gold Coast and west to Mt Isa and Roma.

There were also 869 responses to online surveys, and 188 written submissions from residents, community groups, industry organisations, businesses and not for profit groups.

Mr de Brenni said that the new ten year housing strategy will be finalised in early 2017, with key reforms to be outlined at the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute Conference which will be hosted in Brisbane in March 2017.

To see a copy of the report, go to https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/public-community-housing/have-your-say-housing-strategy/.

[ENDS] 22 December 2016
Media contact: Tristan Douglas 0447 164 197