First Nations council leaders have renewed calls for increased Federal Government investment in housing, warning that overcrowding in remote communities is worsening and impacting health, education and wellbeing.
The Local Government Association of Queensland and First Nations mayors said years of underinvestment have left many communities facing critical housing shortages, and are urging the Federal Government to commit $400 million in the upcoming budget.
LGAQ President, Mayor Matt Burnett, said overcrowding had reached critical levels across many communities.
“Overcrowding in First Nations communities has reached critical levels and without an urgent federal funding injection, the situation will continue to deteriorate,” Burnett said.
“In Yarrabah, just south of Cairns, there are approximately 400 homes housing a population of almost 5,000 people, with other First Nations communities facing similar overcrowding.
“We’re calling for at least $400 million over four years to be earmarked in the Federal Budget, enabling Queensland’s 17 First Nations councils to kickstart crucial housing construction.”
The renewed call follows continued advocacy from councils and First Nations leaders, including an open letter released ahead of the 2025 Federal Election.
LGAQ Chief Executive Officer, Alison Smith, said housing shortages remain a consistent concern across remote and discrete First Nations communities.
“During the National Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous Housing when all levels of government were working together overcrowding rates decreased,” Smith said.
“Since the end of the agreement, overcrowding is again worsening and with it the negative impacts to health, education, and domestic and family violence.
“Councils have vast on-the-ground knowledge about the housing these communities need, and they can partner with the Federal Government to ensure it’s delivered.”
The former National Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous Housing ended in 2018, with no replacement program introduced. Councils said overcrowding has since increased, with some households accommodating more than ten people in two- or three-bedroom homes.
First Nations mayors said the impacts of overcrowding extend beyond housing, affecting school attendance, health outcomes and community stability.
Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor, Daryl Sexton, said housing shortages are creating significant challenges for residents.
“Lack of housing and overcrowding means a lot of health worries for our community,” Sexton said.
“We can see upwards of twenty people living in a single house which can create conflict within that family group. We have almost 400 homes – and that same amount on our waiting list.”
Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor, Bruce Gibson, said overcrowding is affecting children and families.
“The kids just don’t have any space. It impacts their education, their ability to do homework, and their ability to be a child,” Gibson said.
Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor, Alf Lacey, said the scale of the issue is significant.
“You can have up to 20 and 30 people living in a three- or four-bedroom dwelling,” Lacey said.
“We need more affordable housing and delivery of social housing for our community.”
Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor, Terence Munns, said housing shortages are limiting community growth.
“With our lack of housing we can’t grow and we can’t thrive. More housing means more local jobs and would help grow our local economy,” Munns said.
Torres Shire Council Mayor, Elsie Seriat, said improved housing is essential to retaining residents and supporting local development.
“We need more houses for our people because people are moving away,” Seriat said.
“We are looking to build over 250 homes. We just need the Government to walk with us so we can have real outcomes for our community.”
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