Published Tuesday, 12 August, 2008 at 09:14 AM
Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology
The Honourable Robert Schwarten
RTA BOARD TO MEET IN MOUNT ISA
The Board of the Residential Tenancies Authority will meet in Mount Isa on September 3, Housing Minister Robert Schwarten and Member for Mount Isa Betty Kiernan announced today.
Mr Schwarten said regional meetings gave RTA board members the opportunity for a first-hand look at the issues facing tenants and landlords in regional parts of Queensland.
“The RTA is responsible for administering the Residential Tenancies Act 1994, which applies to people renting flats, houses, caravans, units, townhouses, manufactured homes and houseboats in private, public and community-managed rental accommodation right across Queensland,” Mr Schwarten said.
“I have certainly encouraged the RTA Board and key staff to travel to regional and remote parts of the state to check that the Act is being applied fairly in these areas and to engage with local stakeholders as I believe it can be very beneficial.”
Mr Schwarten said the RTA was currently holding bonds for more than 2,700 rented residential properties in Mount Isa and the north west.
“Like in other parts of the state, Mount Isa renters have seen their rents increase substantially,” Mr Schwarten said.
“Data released by the RTA recently shows the median weekly rent for a three-bedroom house has skyrocketed 36% in the past 12 months and a massive 125% in five years while the cost of a two-bedroom unit in Mount Isa jumped 17% in the past 12 months and 107% in five years.”
Ms Kiernan said the RTA would host events for stakeholders to coincide with the board meeting.
“The stakeholder meeting will give representatives from all segments of the rental sector the opportunity to discuss pertinent issues directly with board members as well as the RTA’s General Manager, Fergus Smith,” Ms Kiernan said.
“Information sessions will explain both the rights and the obligations of both lessors and tenants.”
The workshop will be held at the Red Earth Hotel on September 2, starting at 5.30pm. Those interested in attending should contact the RTA on 1300 366 311.
Media contact: Minister’s office – Scott Chandler on (07) 3237 1832, Ms Kiernan’s office – (07) 4743 5149.
Mr Schwarten said regional meetings gave RTA board members the opportunity for a first-hand look at the issues facing tenants and landlords in regional parts of Queensland.
“The RTA is responsible for administering the Residential Tenancies Act 1994, which applies to people renting flats, houses, caravans, units, townhouses, manufactured homes and houseboats in private, public and community-managed rental accommodation right across Queensland,” Mr Schwarten said.
“I have certainly encouraged the RTA Board and key staff to travel to regional and remote parts of the state to check that the Act is being applied fairly in these areas and to engage with local stakeholders as I believe it can be very beneficial.”
Mr Schwarten said the RTA was currently holding bonds for more than 2,700 rented residential properties in Mount Isa and the north west.
“Like in other parts of the state, Mount Isa renters have seen their rents increase substantially,” Mr Schwarten said.
“Data released by the RTA recently shows the median weekly rent for a three-bedroom house has skyrocketed 36% in the past 12 months and a massive 125% in five years while the cost of a two-bedroom unit in Mount Isa jumped 17% in the past 12 months and 107% in five years.”
Ms Kiernan said the RTA would host events for stakeholders to coincide with the board meeting.
“The stakeholder meeting will give representatives from all segments of the rental sector the opportunity to discuss pertinent issues directly with board members as well as the RTA’s General Manager, Fergus Smith,” Ms Kiernan said.
“Information sessions will explain both the rights and the obligations of both lessors and tenants.”
The workshop will be held at the Red Earth Hotel on September 2, starting at 5.30pm. Those interested in attending should contact the RTA on 1300 366 311.
Media contact: Minister’s office – Scott Chandler on (07) 3237 1832, Ms Kiernan’s office – (07) 4743 5149.