News
29 June, 2022
Powell hits out over housing shortage
THE lack of planning and action on emergency housing shortages in the Caboolture and Morayfield area have come under attack from Andrew Powell, State MP for Glass House.
Mr Powell said the new State Budget has ‘nothing’ for the local rental crisis or finding solutions for homelessness.
“There is nothing in this budget that will address housing affordability, our local rental crisis or homelessness any time soon,” Mr Powell said.
“There is no new social housing in the electorate, there is no new crisis or emergency housing.”
With a shortage of available land for housing a key part of the problem, Mr Powell said the State Government has not identified additional land that could be used for short or long term housing.
‘“There is no plan to open up more land, other than Caboolture West, which was opening up anyway, there is no plan to review restrictive planning laws.”
“There is no plan to consider innovative solutions like tiny homes or the use of state land.
“There is nothing.”
Tim Mander, Shadow Minister for Housing and Public Works, said the government had a ‘woeful’ record in supporting affordable and social housing.
“The Palaszczuk Government’s woeful track record on affordable and social housing for Queenslanders has been exposed,” Mr Mander said.
“Less than a 1% increase in social housing since the end of 2020 with more than 50,000 people on the waitlist is an absolute disgrace.
“This government is letting down the most vulnerable Queenslanders who just want a roof over their head.”
Mr Mander said the current government has the lowest spend on social housing in Australia, and the impacts are being felt by the community.
“The facts are the facts.
“The Palaszczuk Government spends less than any other state or territory in the country on social housing.
“It has also built the least social housing with just 337 additional homes coming online in the past 16 months.
“The government’s so-called housing investment fund has been exposed as nothing but a farce.”
Mr Powell said he is worried the housing crisis will rival the ongoing health crisis as it continues to impact the community.
“Like health, I fear our housing affordability crisis in the Moreton Bay region will get much worse before it will get better.”
