Funding call as homelessness hits record high

The number of homeless people in the City of Moreton Bay has risen 90 per cent in the last decade, according to 2021 Census figures.

Acting Mayor Jodie Shipway added over the last two years, referrals to Council of people sleeping rough have increased by 250 per cent.

“The social housing system has not kept pace with the pressure that has been put on it, and that pressure has increased locally,” Cr Shipway said.

“An independent report, commissioned by Council, states City of Moreton Bay has less social housing dwellings per 10,000 people than Ipswich, Logan and Redland.

“And it ranks only fourth for communities and housing funding per capita, yet we are one of the fastest growing areas of South East Queensland.

“We are calling on candidates to clearly address the current shortfall of crisis accommodation for people experiencing homelessness within Moreton Bay as an urgent priority as they make election commitments.”

Cr Shipway said Council welcomed news the Housing Investment Fund supports developers to build more affordable homes in Burpengary East and Joyner.

“It’s been almost eight months since the Homes for Queenslanders plan was launched,” Cr Shipway said.

“Meantime, Council has offered some of its land to community housing and homelessness service providers for activation as social, affordable and/or crisis housing.

“However, we need candidates to commit to expanding crisis and transitional housing options and allocate state-owned land for housing which will see more social and affordable housing support right here in City of Moreton Bay.”

Fiona Caniglia, Q Shelter CEO said the need for affordable housing in one of the fastest growing LGAs in Queensland is growing exponentially.

“The council has been looking at all possible levers to unlock social and affordable housing supply, with some key projects already underway,” Ms Caniglia said.

“We hope the forward capital program for social housing acknowledges needs and helps with timely planning for council and other partners.”

Acting Mayor Jodie Shipway added: “Although housing and homelessness are ultimately the responsibility of other levels of government, we can’t turn a blind eye and have stepped in to help people needing critical support.

“Acknowledging our position as the third largest local government in Australia, we have been active in helping to achieve better housing outcomes for our residents, but we can’t do it alone.”

City of Moreton Bay has:

• waived development fees and infrastructure charges in fifteen suburbs for affordable and social housing
• offered Council land, under a peppercorn lease, to community housing providers and specialist homelessness service providers for activation as social, affordable and/or crisis housing
• committed a $3.7 million investment to the new Peninsula Support Hub that is currently being built
• supported the Redcliffe Sleepbus.