Queensland Premier Steven Miles has outlined a bold $3.1 billion housing plan aimed at addressing the state’s escalating housing crisis, marking one of the most significant investments in the state’s housing system in history.
In his first major housing announcement since taking office, Miles outlined a comprehensive strategy to tackle housing affordability, homelessness, and rental pressures. The “Homes for Queenslanders” plan focuses on five key pillars: building more homes, supporting renters, assisting first-home buyers, boosting social housing, and working towards ending homelessness.
The plan comes as Queensland grapples with unprecedented population growth, with 133,000 new interstate migrants and 115,000 international arrivals since 2020. This has placed significant strain on the state’s housing market, driving up rents and reducing housing availability, particularly in urban areas. Vacancy rates are below 1% in many regions, exacerbating the affordability crisis.
“Queenslanders are struggling with higher rents and battling interest rates, with one in three renting and many homeowners facing increasing mortgage pressures,” Miles said. “My government is listening, and I am committed to doing everything I can to ease the burden.”
A key component of the plan is a target of building one million new homes by 2046, with a focus on increasing the supply of private housing. This will be supported by the release of public land for development in key areas such as Varsity Lakes, Mango Hill, and Pimlico. The government aims to encourage greater development through funding for infrastructure such as roads and utilities, helping to fast-track construction.
For renters, the government will introduce a relief package that includes measures like portable bonds, bond loans, and the banning of rent bidding, which has made it harder for Queenslanders to secure rental properties. Additionally, the government will expand the Rental Security Subsidy, particularly for young renters under 25.
Miles also pledged support for first-time home buyers, including a doubling of the Queensland First Home Owner Grant to $30,000, making it the largest grant in mainland Australia. The plan will also provide tailored support for regional Queenslanders and First Nations peoples looking to enter the housing market.
The government is also committing to a major boost in social housing, with a target of 53,500 social homes by 2046. This comes as national investment in social housing has not kept pace with demand, with the proportion of social housing stock falling from 4.9% in 1981 to just 3.8% in 2021.
Mr Miles committed to providing shelter to every Queenslander living rough. The government will invest in an expanded critical response team to work with individuals experiencing homelessness, alongside a 20% increase in funding for homelessness services.
“I understand the importance of having a place to call home,” Miles said. “Every child in Queensland deserves the same opportunities I had growing up, and I will continue working hard every day to make that a reality.”
The Premier’s announcement comes as part of the government’s broader effort to combat the cost-of-living pressures facing Queenslanders, with earlier measures including freezing registration and public transport costs, and securing funding for a police helicopter in Townsville.
