RTA to grant wishes for local community groups

Queensland community groups interested in providing community education about the new rental laws should apply for the latest round of funding on offer from the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA).

Minister for Housing Robert Schwarten said with new renting legislation coming into effect on 1 July this year, it has never been more important for renters to fully understand their rights and responsibilities under the new laws.

“The 2009 RTA Community Education Public Grants Scheme plays an important role in delivering relevant tenancy information,” Mr Schwarten said.

“Without this scheme some groups might not receive important information.

“For more than a decade the RTA Community Education Public Grants Scheme has enabled many community groups to create education programs to promote a better understanding of rental legislation throughout Queensland.

“We want to make sure everyone gets a fair go in our private rental market, and to get a fair go, you need to understand the rules,” he said.

Mr Schwarten said the RTA will be allocating approximately $180,000 in the latest round of grants.

“The RTA Community Education Public Grants Scheme is open to all non-profit community groups, local government agencies and tertiary institutions interested in spreading the message about the new renting laws.

“Past funding grants have produced a variety of successful projects ranging from translating tenancy information in foreign languages through to the development of dedicated websites and even a renting board game, so applicants are only limited by their imagination,” Mr Schwarten said.

For further information or to apply, contact the RTA on 1300 366 311 or log on to www.rta.qld.gov.au