State tackles housing issue
THE Housing Industry Association has welcomed a Queensland State Government move to free up land in mining towns to ease the squeeze on accommodation.
Rents upward of $1000 a week make it difficult for those like policemen, teachers and nurses who are working with communities in the mining sector.
The issue is related to the high level of demand for residential building blocks in townships serving the mining sector.
The Government's plan is to improve affordability prospects by increasing land supply to the public and deliver more serviced lots within a relatively short period of time.
Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney said his department would spend $15 million over the next nine months to deliver 185 housing allotments to townships such as Moranbah and Blackwater.
The Government will also work with the private sector to meet land supply demand in some communities to ease the rental pressures currently being faced.
Premier Campbell Newman said the Government was also conscious that there were other issues being experienced in regional and resource centres which were impacting on the delivery of housing.
He has agreed to work with regional councils to identify impediments which are stalling residential development.
The initiative will provide a number of workshops in 11 regional centres across Queensland which will provide the Government with an opportunity to liaise with those who are involved in the residential building industry who know what the issues are and the potential opportunities.
These workshops will be held throughout September and will form the basis of a Resource and Regional Town Action Plan for state and local government consideration by December.
