Western Queensland councils ready for housing action

Media statement from: Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics Infrastructure

The first six Local Housing Action Plans for councils across Western Queensland have been unveiled to tackle housing challenges in rural and remote communities.

The Palaszczuk Government has partnered with the Western Queensland Alliance of Councils (WQAC) to fast-track the plans for its 22 councils.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Local Government Steven Miles today released the pilot plans for Murweh, Paroo, Flinders, Blackall-Tambo, Boulia and Carpentaria councils.

“These action plans are an important step towards finding local housing solutions that will meet the individual needs of local communities,” Mr Miles said.

“Affordable and available housing remains an issue in all corners of the state, with our rural and remote communities facing unique challenges.

“These plans will equip councils to better respond to a range of immediate, emerging and longer-term housing challenges.

“The Western Queensland Alliance of Councils has been leading the way with its work in examining the key factors affecting housing in each of these communities.

“This gives local governments a clearer path forward to respond to housing need and help ensure more Queenslanders have a place to call home.”

The plans include an assessment of housing availability, a view of the rental market, social housing, demand for aged care and emergency housing.

“This is just the start, with the learnings from these pilot sites to inform how action plans will be rolled out to the 16 other councils,” Mr Miles said.

“We are committed to working with councils to address housing issues and improve the liveability and economic sustainability of communities in Western Queensland.”

Leaders of the Western Queensland Alliance of Councils have welcomed the release of the pilot plans.

“Getting Local Housing Action Plans off the ground means we can identify solutions sooner and coordinate responses to the housing challenges facing rural and remote council areas,” Cr Jack Bawden, Carpentaria Shire Council Mayor and Chair of the North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils, said.

Cr Tony Rayner, Mayor of Longreach Shire Council and Chair of the Remote Area Planning and Development Board, added: “The twenty-two councils of Western Queensland all face similar housing shortages and the best way of addressing this problem is by working together.”

“We look forward to completing all the plans providing a path forward to addressing housing issues and supporting our local economies and the liveability of our communities,” Cr Samantha O’Toole, Mayor of Balonne Shire and Chair of the South West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils said.

The $200,000 initiative is supported by the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, and the Department of Communities and Housing.

Local Housing Action Plans are a commitment under the Queensland Housing and Homelessness Action Plan 2021-2025.

The final draft plans, subject to councils’ approval, can be viewed at: https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/local-housing-action-plans