Housing crisis: Proposed homes a step closer

More than 70 proposals have been short-listed to address the demand for social and affordable housing, which could mean about 3000 homes once delivered.

More than 70 proposals have been short-listed to address the demand for social and affordable housing, which could mean about 3000 homes once delivered.

About 71 projects are through to the next stage under the state government’s latest Housing Investment Fund (HIF) round, with more than 60 per cent of the proposed homes outside Brisbane.

The short-listed proponents will be able to provide the government with detailed proposals, once this occurs construction could start as early as next year.

Queensland Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon. Picture: Dan Peled / NCA NewsWire

Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said every Queenslander deserved a roof over their head.

“To tackle the impact national housing pressures are having here, we need to work with industry to look at new solutions and ways of doing things – that includes unlocking more affordable housing,” she said.

“The Housing Investment Fund means that Queenslanders will be able to continue to access critical funding for housing projects not just now but into the future.

Expressions of interests for private projects opened in February, since then there were 199 proposals put forward by 115 proponents.

They were assessed against several criteria which looked at value for money, delivery and the experience from those putting it forward.

“It’s disappointing to see similar proposals by the Federal Government being blocked by the LNP and Greens – a proposal that would provide funding certainty into the future,” she said.

“What’s clear is all levels of government, industry and the community housing sector need to continue to work hand-in-hand to address national housing pressures as quickly as we can.”