Councils in Western Queensland are one step closer to tackling housing challenges in rural and remote communities with the first six Local Housing Action Plans unveiled following the Queensland Government partnering with the Western Queensland Alliance of Councils (WQAC) to fast-track the plans for its 22 councils.
The Local Housing Action Plans were released for the following councils:
- Murweh
- Paroo
- Flinders
- Blackall-Tambo
- Boulia
- Carpentaria
The plans include an assessment of housing availability, a view of the rental market, social housing, demand for aged care and emergency housing.
Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for Local Government, Steven Miles, said the plans are an important step towards finding local housing solutions that will meet the individual needs of local communities.
“Affordable and available housing remains an issue in all corners of the state, with our rural and remote communities facing unique challenges.
“These plans will equip councils to better respond to a range of immediate, emerging and longer-term housing challenges.
“The Western Queensland Alliance of Councils has been leading the way with its work in examining the key factors affecting housing in each of these communities.
“This gives local governments a clearer path forward to respond to housing needs and help ensure more Queenslanders have a place to call home,” Mr Miles said.
Mr Miles said the learnings from these pilot sites will inform how action plans will be rolled out to the 16 other councils.
“We are committed to working with councils to address housing issues and improve the liveability and economic sustainability of communities in Western Queensland.”
WQAC Leaders have welcomed the release of the pilot plans.
Carpentaria Shire Council Mayor and Chair of the North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Council, Jack Bawden, said, “Getting Local Housing Action Plans off the ground means we can identify solutions sooner and coordinate responses to the housing challenges facing rural and remote council areas.”
Mayor of Longreach Shire Council and Chair of the Remote Area Planning and Development Board, Tony Rayner, said, “The 22 councils of Western Queensland all face similar housing shortages and the best way of addressing this problem is by working together.”
This was backed up by Mayor of Balonne Shire and Chair of the South West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils, Samantha O’Toole, who said Council was looking forward to completing all the plans providing a path forward to addressing housing issues and supporting local economies and the liveability of communities.
The $200,000 initiative is supported by the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, and the Department of Communities and Housing.
Local Housing Action Plans are a commitment under the Queensland Housing and Homelessness Action Plan 2021-2025.
