Stephen Bennett slams government over housing crisis

A Bundaberg businessman claims the region is about to get a population boom that could rival Noosa’s influx, and has joined the growing chorus of voices demanding an immediate fix to the heartbreaking housing crisis.

Bundaberg realtor Justin Mayberry has called on the State Government to sell state land for developers to build new homes.

The First National Real Estate principal joined Burnett MP Stephen Bennett on Thursday, slamming the State Government for not taking immediate action on the housing crisis.

“With population growth we cannot wait any longer for inaction,” Mr Mayberry said.

“People are living in cars and tents; this is not acceptable for a first-world country.

“Our vacancy rate is so low that even if my own mother was looking for a property to rent, I couldn’t give her one.

“We need more houses, it’s as simple as that.”

Mr Mayberry said he welcomed the population boom and the fact people wanted to move to Bundaberg.

“People want to get out of the cities and move to regional areas because the lifestyle up here is phenomenal,” he said.

A Bundaberg real estate agent has welcomed a population boom, but says it “doesn’t help” people sleeping under bridges and in tents.

Mr Bennett said the State Government refused to work with the private sector to address the crisis.

“We know there are developers who are seriously considering large projects that could mean hundreds of houses in the Bundaberg and Burnett region, but they’re not willing to commit due to the fees, charges and red tape being imposed upon them,” he said.

Mr Bennett said an analysis of budget service delivery statements showed the government was covering up its social housing failings by removing the targets it set for itself.

“The average wait time for Queenslanders on the social housing list classified as high or very high need had a target of eight months last year,” he said.

“Sadly, a 14-month waitlist was achieved, so the State Labor Government has now moved the target to 12 months. This is simply not good enough.

The NewsMail reached out to the Deputy Premier and the State Housing Minister for response, but no response was given by the deadline.

Originally published as Stephen Bennett slams government over housing crisis