Funding is welcomed
Vinnies happy with budget investment in social housing
The Queensland Government’s budget investment in social housing in Toowoomba and the Darling Downs has been welcomed by support services at the coalface of the region’s social housing crisis.
Vinnies Queensland was one of 12 state organisations and charities which partnered with the Queensland Council of Social Service to advocate to state representatives for a vital investment in social and affordable housing.
The announcement of Tuesday’s budget which included $20.8 million for social housing on the Darling Downs has come at a critical time, as the region has been especially hit hard by the statewide affordable housing shortage, dropping to below one per cent rental availability over the past few months.
Vinnies Toowoomba region executive officer Kathie Brosnan said while the commitment would not completely solve the problem of social housing, it was a positive step.
“The society is very happy with the outcome of (Tuesday’s budget), and we believe can take advantage of that right across the state,” she said.
“There’s a lot of people certainly looking for accommodation and the private market is at about 0.6 per cent vacancy rates in Toowoomba and it’s the same in other districts on the Darling Downs.
“We see this funding commitment as a great way forward and a great way the government has answered at least some of the needs.
“It’s not going to completely solve the housing shortage but it’s certainly a welcome step and will have a positive impact on hundreds if not thousands of people across the region.”