Qld responds to housing crisis, amid flood disaster

In Queensland, 1,035 people from 461 households have received emergency housing, but the scarcity of housing due to the “unprecedented demand” on Queensland’s housing before the floods has made the current disaster more challenging.

The Minister for Communities and Housing, Leeanne Enoch, said record interstate migration, rising house prices, very low vacancy rates, COVID-19 and severe weather have created a “perfect storm”.

She said the government was considering “several options” to increase housing supply, particularly in the short term.

“This includes working with local hotel and motel partners to book appropriate hotel accommodation for short term accommodation needs and exploring capacity of previous quarantine accommodation,” she said.

“We are also exploring offers from the private sector, including commercial, holiday, mobile or other short-term rentals.

“These are options that could assist a number of individuals and families who might not be able to live in their own homes due to flood damage.”

It comes as Prime Minister Scott Morrison declared a national emergency in response to the “catastrophic” event that will help cut through “red tape” and ensure all emergency powers are available.

The Queensland government said it would work closely with specialist homelessness services and community housing providers in activated disaster areas to provide essential responses to people needing housing support.

“This is about providing a housing response that is wide-ranging and includes support for displaced homeowners, people in the private rental market and those who need the safety net of social housing,” Ms Enoch said.

“We are doing this in a way that considers the individual and the diverse needs of households.

“This includes providing accommodation solutions with appropriate supports for people with disability, and people experiencing homelessness or domestic and family violence.”

She said a range of products, programs and service responses is available to support people in the private rental or home ownership markets.

“In response to community need, we have temporarily expanded use of and eligibility for products such as Bond Loans, Bond Loan Plus and Rental Grants for Queensland residents within the activated disaster areas, who are displaced from their property due to the weather events,” Ms Enoch said.

“A range of rent relief measures are also available for social housing tenants who are unable to remain in their homes due to flood related damage and the property requiring repair.”

[Related: Fresh flood support, as Prime Minsiter declares national emergency]