Relief from rental stress in Scarborough

People wanting affordable rental properties can find some at seaside Scarborough with 72 apartments now renting at 25 per cent below the market rate.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Bruce Flegg opened the ‘Anglesey’ complex – 32 studios and 40 two-bedroom units – on Bunton Street today.

“Having an affordable place to call home is a basic human need, and I’m determined that all Queenslanders should have access to this,” Dr Flegg said.

“This government is committed to addressing housing affordability and will deliver a coordinated approach to tackling the issue.”

The Scarborough will be managed by the Queensland Affordable Housing Consortium (QAHC), with support from the Queensland Government and the Australian Government’s National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS).

Dr Flegg said the scheme provides annual financial incentives for investors to purchase new housing that must be rented at no more than 80 per cent of the market rate.

“Queensland has 11,284 approved NRAS incentives, which is the largest share of all the states and territories,” he said.

“Since the scheme started, 2,472 affordable rental properties have been delivered in Queensland.”

Member for Redcliffe Scott Driscoll said the units would be a great asset for the area.

“The new units provide our community with a large number of affordable housing options and relief from rental stress,” he said.

“Residents of Anglesey will have easy access to amenities, including three schools, the Australian Technical College and employment opportunities in health, retail, seafood and service industries.

“And it’s a great place to live. Scarborough Beach has twice received the award for ‘Australia’s Friendliest Beach’ and is just 35 minutes north of Brisbane CBD.”

The Australian Government established the National Rental Affordability Scheme in July 2008 to increase the supply of affordable rental housing by 50,000 dwellings across Australia.

Properties are rented to tenants who meet the income and other eligibility criteria.

[ENDS] 20 July 2012

Media contact: Graeme Hallett 0408 763 671