Mackay resident Cecily MacDonald struggles with $130 rent increase, goes to RentConnect

After living in a rental for more than two years, one family found themselves job hunting on a fixed income with the threat of homelessness breathing down their neck.

Mrs MacDonald described the rental market in Mackay as not ideal, particularly for someone on a fixed income. Photo: Fergus Gregg

After facing the prospect of homelessness, two Mackay residents will now be able to stay in their rental.

Cecily MacDonald, 57, and her husband faced homelessness for the second time in their lives after their rent was unexpectedly increased by $130 a week.

They had been living in a caravan before moving into the rental, buying it with the intention of travelling before Covid hit.
The pandemic, plus a diagnosis for Ms MacDonald which required surgery made work hard to come by.

“We were homeless for four and a half years, living in our caravan,” Ms MacDonald said.

“We know what it’s like to be classed as homeless … it makes everything much harder.”

They finally found a rental two years ago and had been living there since, paying their rent and utilities on time.

Cecily MacDonald described the rental market in Mackay as not ideal, particularly for someone on a fixed income. Photo: Fergus Gregg

However, a recent rent increase threatened to make them homeless again, sparking a frantic search for a new home.

The couple applied for 10 rentals immediately, only to be rejected each time.

When inspecting properties, they found that the accommodations were far from ideal.

“Some of these places hadn’t been cleaned in five years,” Mrs MacDonald said.

“I went to one place for an interview and it had no water cleaner … one place was exposed to the elements and completely rusted.

“It’s absolutely heartbreaking.”

With no other options, the MacDonalds visited RentConnect on Victoria St in Mackay and are now receiving financial assistance to keep their current rental.

“I can’t express enough how we’re so grateful for the RentConnect team because otherwise where would we be?” Mrs MacDonald said.

“Living in a car.”

As part of the Miles government’s $160 million Rent Relief package, two new RentConnect staff members have arrived in Mackay to meet the demands of vulnerable families and residents like Mrs MacDonald and her husband.

Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said one in three Queensland households rent and highlighted the importance of easing the cost of living for renters.

Employment Minister Lance McCallum said access to secure housing is critical for employment stability.

Employment Minister Lance McCallum highlighted not only the support available to renters, but also first home owners, apprentices and construction companies. Photo: Fergus Gregg

“It’s all part of our homes for Queenslanders plan where we’re building more homes as well as providing more support,” Mr McCallum said.

“Where you need rental support or whether you’re looking to get into your first home.”When asked what the government was doing to increase supply given the difficulties facing construction firms, Mr. McCallum mentioned the millions available in grants for small and medium-sized businesses, free TAFE courses, apprenticeships, and tools for first-year apprentices to encourage growth in the industry.

“We want to be able to pull every single lever that we can to increase supplies for both the private market as well as social homes in regional Queensland,” he said.

To struggling renters, Cecily MacDonald had just one message “hang in there”.

“It’s a very hard thing to admit you need help … know that there’s help here.”

Originally published as Mackay resident Cecily MacDonald struggles with $130 rent increase, goes to RentConnect