Government funded social housing units to be built in Kingaroy

The South Burnett Council is showing other councils how it is done, providing the land to build social housing in Kingaroy.

Councillor Kirstie Schumacher said the South Burnett was one of few councils in the state to make this unique arrangement happen.

The South Burnett Regional Council, Regional Housing Limited and the Queensland government have partnered for the building of two social housing units in Kingaroy.

In December 2021, the council supplied four blocks of land to help with the region's housing shortage.

Many families in the South Burnett have endured bleak situations and continue to suffer after becoming victims of the rental and housing crisis that continues to plague the region and Queensland.

Councillor Kirstie Schumacher said South Burnett was one of few councils in the state that had made this unique arrangement happen.

“Our region is no stranger to housing challenges, however, never before have we seen such a dire housing shortage,” Mrs Schumacher said.

“Right now, in the South Burnett, we know there are more than 180 people sleeping rough, and many of us have seen the unacceptable circumstances whereby local families are forced to live in tents and cars in our public spaces,” she said.

The South Burnett Housing and Homelessness Working Group has worked with the Queensland government on this development.

“While it’s wonderful to see our region experience population growth, we know that business is struggling to house their workforces and that this is having a direct impact on our community.

“Now more than ever we need more bricks and mortar outcomes and to continue working on the multi-faceted solutions needed to address the housing challenges,” she said.

The council has been working with South Burnett CTC, Q Shelter and Regional Housing to help vulnerable people in the community.

Mrs Schumacher said the two social housing units were a positive step, but the work was far from done.

“...we are committed to doing everything we can as a local government to help unlock more housing solutions,” she said.

“I’m heartened to know two more families will have somewhere safe to sleep because of the work we’ve been doing and thank the team for their efforts.

“The capital funding agreement has been signed and the government has already put the money up.”

Regional Housing Limited and Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington were contacted for comment.