“Across the whole housing continuum, Australia faces housing shortages. This includes private housing, private and long-term rentals, community housing and temporary accommodation.

“Social housing is a critical component of the nation’s overall housing stock and currently represents only around 4 per cent of the total residential market. Investment in social housing, particularly in the often-times neglected regional areas of Australia, is both needed and welcomed. 

“Federal government investment in enabling infrastructure is particularly welcomed as local councils frequently lack the capital to immediately and comprehensively service new and growing communities in regional areas,” said Mr Fry.

“Queensland is experiencing ongoing elevated interstate migration and the steady and speedy delivery of housing of varying types particularly across regional North Queensland is essential to ensure affordability doesn’t deteriorate further. Any investment that provides the opportunity to put a roof over a North Queenslanders head will undoubtably offer economic benefits to the community.

“The latest ABS approvals data shows a patchwork picture across the north of the state with October 2024 YTD figures showing a 4 per cent increase on dwelling approvals against the previous year for North Queensland but regional areas like Far North Queensland are down 15 per cent for the same period. Meanwhile, Mackay/Whitsundays are performing strongly in new building approvals (+28 per cent ), as well as Central Qld (+11 per cent).  

“While this announcement is welcomed more needs to be down to encourage the delivery of all forms of housing particularly in regional areas” concluded Mr Fry.

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