MP says home complainers should move to the Downs

A FEDERAL Government Minister has encouraged people concerned about housing affordability to move to the Darling Downs region.

Agriculture Minister and Maranoa MP David Littleproud said as Queensland’s population hit 5 million, 33 years ahead of predictions, anyone who wanted a treechange should consider the region.

“There are huge opportunities in rural Queensland – take Dalby for example where the median house price is $230,000, or Roma, where it’s $200,000,” Mr Littleproud said.

“If you decide to move out west you're going to have a very affordable home. Not only do we offer a better lifestyle, we offer genuine opportunities.

“In Maranoa, the job market has countless positions on offer from teaching, nursing, truck-driving – and everything in between – stretching right across the region. Young workers can make a real start for themselves in their desired industry if they choose to move to areas such as Dalby, Roma, Warwick or Stanthorpe, just to mention a few great communities in my electorate.”

Mr Littleproud said he was drawing attention to the region’s affordability as a recent study showed Sydney and Melbourne were some of the most unaffordable cities in the world to live in.

“A simple job search online returns significantly higher amount of jobs in Maranoa towns than Brisbane – often paying at higher rates as an extra incentive,” he said.