By Melissa Coleman
The Palaszczuk government released the findings from the October Housing Summit conference last Thursday and it may have fleshed out a local solution to the problem.
The Outcomes Report is backed by $56 million in new funding and states that to successfully navigate through the current challenges, more solutions were needed.
However, the Queensland government will undertake an audit of state-owned land and buildings to identify underutilised properties that can be re-purposed for residential use and has requested advice from the Southern Downs Regional Council on any surplus or underutilised land and building portfolios which may assist in meeting the demand for emergency, social and affordable housing.
SDRC Mayor Vic Pennisi said council had responded by providing details of Carramar in Stanthorpe, albeit it is privately owned.
The old nursing home closed its doors in March 2018 and still lays dormant and unused in the heart of Stanthorpe.
“It would require significant investment to bring it to the required standard,” Mayor Penissi said.
The site on College Rd has been decommissioned but, in its heyday, the huge complex bedded more than 60 residents and was built around 1976.
“The government is investing $10 million to boost outreach services for the homeless and a further $8.5 million to boost the immediate housing response,” Mayor Penissi said.
“After reading the report, I look forward to seeing how access to funds and other strategies are rolled out over time.”
Already work has commenced, with a number of Queensland Government agencies reviewing their portfolios, including state land leases, to identify holdings.
Similarly, a number of faith-based groups and other community organisations have indicated they own underutilised properties potentially suitable for housing.
These properties can be used to deliver social and affordable dwellings or crisis accommodation.
The audit is expected to be completed in three months.
“I believe that the initiatives suggested so far are a good start,” he said.
A new Housing Delivery Board of relevant Directors-General will be established, which will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of this Outcomes Report, including regular engagement with non-government stakeholders.
The Queensland Government will also reconvene the Housing Roundtable in March 2023.
The purpose of these meetings will be to gain insights into the health of the housing system and report against implementation commitments.
Anastacia Palaszczuk said there is more work to be done, but they are taking important steps forward.
