FUNDING ANNOUNCED TO EASE REGIONAL QLD HOUSING CRISIS

 

The QLD government has announced long term funding to address the housing and land shortages in Central Queensland regional areas

The rental crisis in regional Queensland mining towns, stemming from a shortage in housing and land, is an ongoing issue. These towns have struggled to keep up with rapid growth triggered by the mining boom which has in turn sent rental prices through the roof.

ADC welcomes the announcement by Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney, that the state government has pledged decisive action to tackle this issue. The 2012-13 State Budget includes long term funding for regional areas through the Land Supply, Economic and Regional Development Initiative in an endeavour to make these places more affordable.

In an effort to assist communities in resource regions, the state government promises to invest $10 million this year to bring about enough land to market to stabilise the real estate market. As well as this, some of the hardest hit regional mining towns of Moranbah and Blackwater have already had $15 million committed towards the fast release of 185 blocks of land to provide urgent relief.

Over the next three years the government will commit $100 million in total to accelerate development, make land more available, meet demand and ease housing pressures in areas such as Gladstone, Emerald, Roma, Rockhampton, Mt Isa, Cairns, Moranbah, Mackay, Bundaberg and Toowoomba.

ADC commends the Newman government on their decisive action and commitment to these regional towns.

Source: Media Release
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development,
Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney
Tuesday, September 11, 2012

See http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/Id/80517 for full media release