Queensland Budget: Vinnies welcomes Darling Downs social housing commitment

The state budget commitment of $20.8 million to social housing in Toowoomba and the Darling Downs will go a long way to supporting residents hit by the region’s housing crisis, according to Vinnies Queensland.

The Queensland Government’s state budget investment in social housing in Toowoomba and the Darling Downs has been welcomed by support services at the coalface of the region’s social housing crisis.

Vinnies Queensland was one of 12 state organisations and charities which partnered with the Queensland Council of Social Service to advocate to state representatives for a vital investment in social and affordable housing.

The announcement of Tuesday’s budget which included $20.8 million for social housing on the Darling Downs has come at a critical time, as the region has been especially hit hard by the statewide affordable housing shortage, dropping to below one per cent rental availability over the past few months.

Vinnies Toowoomba executive officer Kathie Brosnan has welcomed the state government’s budget commitment to social housing. Picture: Rhylea Millar

Vinnies Toowoomba region executive officer Kathie Brosnan said while the commitment would not completely solve the problem of social housing, it was a positive step in the right direction.

“The society is very happy with the outcome of (Tuesday’s budget), and we believe can take advantage of that right across the state,” she said.

“As far as the needs for social housing that are here now, the demand has gone up certainly since Covid with regards to crisis accommodation.

“There’s a lot of people certainly looking for accommodation and the private market is at about 0.6 per cent vacancy rates in Toowoomba and it’s the same in other districts on the Darling Downs.

“We see this funding commitment as a great way forward and a great way the government has answered at least some of the needs.

“It’s not going to completely solve the housing shortage but it’s certainly a welcome step and will have a positive impact on hundreds if not thousands of people across the region.”

Minister Leeanne Enoch speaks during Queensland Parliament question time. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jono Searle

Tuesday also saw the announcement of the Queensland Housing Strategy Action Plan 2021-2025, which outlined a $32 million spend over four years as part of new accelerated social housing targets for the Darling Downs.

Housing Minister Leeanne Enoch said the investment would see more than 100 new homes built and construction of these homes would support more than 100 full-time jobs.

However South Toowoomba MP and Opposition spokesman for treasury David Janetzki said the Darling Downs couldn’t afford to wait four years.

“There is a crisis in local housing availability and affordability that demands an immediate governmental response,” he said.

“That’s why it’s concerning how little the state government is putting towards constructing and upgrading social housing in the year ahead.”