With more than $2.9 billion committed towards social housing in today’s state budget, QCOSS welcomes the government’s commitment to addressing Queensland’s housing crisis.
“This budget signals a new approach to housing and homelessness in Queensland,” said QCOSS CEO Aimee McVeigh.
“This is the first step we have been calling for and provides opportunities for the community, government and private sector to work together toward solving a previously intractable problem.
“The $2.9 billion investment outlined in the budget will lead to more houses for more Queenslanders sooner. The Government has effectively tripled its investment into social housing over the next four years.
“The recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic must benefit all Queenslanders and this investment delivers just that – homes and jobs.
“We look forward to working with the state government to make sure that this announcement results in homes for women escaping domestic violence, children, people with a disability, First Nations People and older women.
“This was hard fought for by the community services sector and its workers who have continually advocated for major investment into social housing for decades. The announcement today is culmination of the hard work of QCOSS members and a broader coalition of industry voices.”
Most recently, the Town of Nowhere campaign, led by QCOSS and 12 leading community organisations, has called on the state government to make a major investment in social housing in this year’s state budget.
RESPONSE FROM TOWN OF NOWHERE CAMPAIGN PARTNERS
“YFS is pleased that the Queensland Government has accelerated the supply of new housing for people experiencing disadvantage. The current housing crisis makes fast development of additional affordable and social housing essential.”
Cath Bartolo, CEO YFS
“This announcement of significant new investment in social housing will changes the lives of many people living with disability and Multicap applauds and thanks the Queensland Government.“
Jo Jessop, CEO Multicap
“Our crisis accommodation and homelessness support services have been put under great strain by the worsening affordable housing shortage – this commitment will go a long way to ensuring no Queenslander is left behind.”
Kevin Mercer, CEO St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland
“We commend the Queensland Government for making a significant investment in social housing solutions to help address the housing and homelessness crisis in our state. This isn’t just an investment in houses, but an investment in people. It will help to end homelessness and severe rental stress experienced by thousands of Queenslanders.”
Stephen Vines, State Director Mission Australia Queensland
“Many children and families will benefit from this investment in social housing from the Queensland Government. This is a significant step towards a fairer Queensland.”
David O’Toole, CEO Kyabra
“BHC welcomes this significant investment in Queensland’s future, which will have far-reaching and multigenerational benefits for Queenslanders in housing need.”
Rebecca Oelkers, CEO Brisbane Housing Company
“This is an outstanding commitment over 4 years from the Queensland Government to realistically help address critical social housing needs and invite investors to be part of the longer term solution”.
Derek Tuffield OAM, CEO Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland
“There’s no underestimating the impact a home can make in someone’s life. As a leading not-for-profit provider of community services, we have been overwhelmed with a significant increase in demand for social housing over the past two years.
More often than not, providing a stable place to live is the catalyst to people changing their lives or overcoming incredible obstacles.
We welcome the Queensland Government’s $2.9 billion investment in social housing and the immediate impact it will have to the people we serve.
Now is the time to look at Social Housing and address the issue with innovation and collaboration.”
Jude Emmer, CEO Wesley Mission Queensland
“To have voice of the non-government sector heard is a positive step forward and enhances our confidence in the state government when it comes to responding to the needs community. It will take time to move these initiatives through to tenancy options and supports but there is comfort in knowing they will come.
This announcement is a solid and much needed response to an ever-worsening housing crisis across Qld.
As a regional provider, we will be carefully considering what difference this can make across Central Queensland to ensure resource allocations factor in the needs of our communities, particularly in centres with vacancy rates close to 0%.”
Carol Godwin, CEO Anglicare Central Queensland
“It is a relief to see the State government making such a significant start to investment in social housing and the reduction of homelessness. We must make sure a proportion of this investment meets the needs of the most vulnerable, from those experiencing chronic homelessness, domestic and family violence, to children and families seeking a secure safe and affordable home.”
Karyn Walsh, CEO Micah Projects