QLD Housing Summit: Exactly What Moreton Bay Needs
Published 14 September 2022
Mayor Peter Flannery has welcomed the State Government’s announcement that it will host a Queensland Housing Summit to address the urgency around multiple housing issues.
“Housing affordability could be the greatest challenge of our time and it’s not just a Moreton Bay or a Queensland issue, this is a national crisis,” Mayor Flannery said.
“So I applaud the Palaszczuk Government for looking to take this challenge head on, because a solution will require government and industry to all be rowing in the same direction.
“Under the ShapingSEQ plan Moreton Bay is required to provide at least 88,300 new homes by 2041.
“We’ve worked hard on this and on current trajectories should actually have a sufficient land capacity through to 2051.
“But what we really need in Moreton Bay is increased and significant investment in transport infrastructure to retain our region’s liveability.
“In particular I want to see a focus on affordable and social housing that’s supported by good public transport links, especially connections to the rail network.
“Councils can approve subdivisions and developments but we need to see housing delivered on the ground. We need a housing-first approach.
“So I’m hoping this summit will be solutions-focused.
“How can industry and government work together to overcome the hurdles being experienced, including supply chain issues and workforce shortages?
“Council is already thinking about we can do that’s ‘outside the box’ to help play our part.
“Here in Moreton Bay, Community Housing Providers can access discounts for their fees and charges and since writing to them last month I’ve already met with two and have four more meetings scheduled.
“I think we could make more headway if we also looked to work with the State Government to utilise their idle land holdings.
“There may be Council property adjacent to underutilised State land and if combined we could work to maximise the land and its best use.”
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk yesterday announced the Queensland Housing Summit will be held in October.
“Nothing is more important than having a roof over your head - it’s a basic need – and the stories of people without secure housing are heartbreaking,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Affordable housing is critical to maintaining our great Queensland lifestyle.
“Many of the causes of the increased housing costs are national and need national solutions.
“I fully understand this is a tough time for many Queenslanders. We all know that recent interest rate increases by the independent Reserve Bank of Australia have made it tough for homeowners.
“All levels of government have a role to play in improving the current housing situation.”
Deputy Premier Steven Miles said a way forward, in partnership with all those who have responsibility for housing, was urgently needed.
“Queensland is one of the best places in the world to live, and it’s no wonder people are choosing to live, work and grow their families here,” Mr Miles said.
“The Property Council of Australia’s report showed that Queensland’s population grew by almost 750,000 between 2011 and 2021, with close to 90 per cent in south-east Queensland.
“A compounding set of circumstances including massive population growth, supply chain and workforce restraints and multiple weather events have created a housing challenge.”
The Local Government Association of Queensland will represent Queensland Councils at the October Summit along with the Council of Mayors (SEQ) and key non-government stakeholders including QShelter, QCOSS, the REIQ, Property Council of Australia, Master Builders and the Planning Institute of Australia among others.