Opinion: Time for a conversation on migration to Qld

Migration can be a good thing, but we must ensure we grow in a way that is sustainable, writes Meaghan Scanlon.

In the year to last September, Queensland grew by 143,600 people. The natural increase (birth less deaths) was roughly 23,000 – with the bulk of growth coming from interstate and overseas migration of 120,600 people, a new record.

That is 57,400 new Queensland households that need a roof over their head. This record growth means people are moving here faster than homes can be built, with the private sector in normal times able to deliver just over half that number each year.

In Queensland, that population growth meant a shortfall of 27,700 homes in that period.

The rest of the country is also feeling the pinch, with a shortfall in NSW of 35,100 homes and 28,200 homes in Victoria.

We know that migration – if those people are from interstate or overseas – can be a good thing, powering our economy with more consumers, workers and entrepreneurs.

However it is incumbent on all levels of government to make sure we grow in a way that is sustainable. That means focusing on attracting the skills we need, like qualified tradies across the spectrum who can help to build the houses and the infrastructure we need as we grow.

We must be thoughtful about balancing the broader economic benefits of population growth with our ability to provide shelter, transport, and social services.

Through its Homes For Queenslanders plan the Miles government is doing just that.

It is a blueprint for a fair and sustainable housing system delivering one million more homes by 2046 – including 53,500 new social homes.

We are delivering free TAFE and apprenticeships to grow our own construction workforce to build the homes we need.

In the short term, we are also buying vacant hotels and retirement villages and funding millions of nights of emergency accommodation to make sure people have a safe place to stay.

And we are slashing red tape across the planning and development system to make sure we can get more homes built.

But Queensland cannot do it alone. We need to have a sensible conversation about migration, and about the amount of funding the Commonwealth can and must deliver to meet the needs of a growing population.

We need this because we want to make sure there is a home for everyone.

Meaghan Scanlon is state Minister for Housing, Local Government and Planning