Maleny ignored in face of deepening crisis
By Sonia Isaacs
SOCIAL and affordable housing advocates are sounding the alarm over a worsening housing crisis on the Sunshine Coast, with community leaders condemning a major shortfall in planned housing delivery.
Despite promises of nearly 5,000 social and affordable homes across Queensland, only 273 are slated for the Sunshine Coast — and none in Maleny or Blackall Range.
Maleny Neighbourhood Centre Coordinator Madonna Hampson described the figures as “extremely disappointing”.
“These numbers are just not good enough,” Ms Hampson said.
“My understanding is that the latest government announcement includes projects already underway — such as the 70 unit community housing BlueCHP complex and Kabi Kabi Aboriginal Corporation 24 unit development in Beerwah — with no provision made for additional social housing in Maleny or along the range.”
Ms Hampson said the lack of new developments in the hinterland ignored a growing number of people experiencing homelessness or at risk.
“We need to have real conversations about homelessness and hardship,” she said.
“The reality is more people than ever are struggling to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table.
“These are not just ‘other people’ — they are our neighbours, our friends, and even our family members.”
She also drew attention to a rapidly rising demographic: women over 55, now the fastest-growing cohort of homeless people in Australia.
“Many of these women have raised families, worked hard, and contributed to their communities,” Ms Hampson said.
“They’re now falling through the cracks due to divorce, domestic violence, job loss or inadequate superannuation.”
A Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works spokesperson confirmed that of the 273 homes in the Sunshine Coast LGA, 218 will be social homes and 55 affordable.
As of February 28, 56 homes were under contract and 217 were under construction across suburbs including Birtinya, Beerwah, Nirimba, Marcoola, Banya, Woombye and Maroochydore.
Tracy Adams (pictured) from the Housing Older Women Movement labelled the current housing response as “totally inadequate”.
“The criteria to access social housing are so strict that many people in genuine need don’t even qualify,” she said.
“The number of dwellings being funded and built falls well short of what’s needed — even to meet existing waitlists.”
Ms Adams said single older women are the fastest-growing group experiencing homelessness and severe housing stress.
“There is an urgent need for homes that local workers can actually afford — especially those in part-time or low-income roles, most of whom are women,” she said.
“Shared equity and rent-to-buy options must be part of the solution.”
She said current eligibility rules exclude many working people.
“To get on the waitlist, you must be unable to afford rent, unable to work, have no assets, and no meaningful super.
Part-time or casual work can disqualify you.”
Advocates continue to call for fairer, more inclusive housing policies.