SOCIAL HOUSING BOOST FOR TINANA

Minister for Housing Robert Schwarten today announced that the Department of Housing had recently purchased a duplex at Tinana to boost the area’s supply of social housing.

“This acquisition represents a $430,000 investment in social housing in the Maryborough area,” Mr Schwarten said.

Mr Schwarten said the department purchased the one, two-bedroom and one, three-bedroom duplex at La Frantz Drive.

“Both dwellings will be upgraded to the department’s standard before being tenanted to eligible applicants,” he said.

“Housing affordability, both in terms of home ownership and rental accommodation, was one of the biggest issues facing local residents and, indeed, all Australians.

“The median rent for a two-bedroom unit in the Wide Bay has increased by 46% in the past five years from $130 to $190 a week,” he said.

“This has forced more and more people to abandon the private rental market and apply for social housing.

“The State Government has a strong commitment to providing social housing for eligible Queenslanders and this is demonstrated by acquisitions like this.”

Mr Schwarten said the latest purchase by the Department of Housing pushed the total amount spent by the Queensland Government on housing and housing-related services in the Maryborough electorate to more than $15 million since September 2006.

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