Queensland’s social housing pipeline is set for a major expansion, with the Miles Government unveiling a bold target of 53,500 social homes by 2046 under its Homes for Queenslanders plan.
Backed by an additional $1.25 billion in funding, this commitment builds on the government’s existing $6 billion investment in social and affordable housing.
The State will also continue working with the Federal Government to secure funding through initiatives such as the Social Housing Accelerator and the Housing Australia Future Fund, ensuring Queensland gets its share of national housing support.
These investments aim to accelerate public and community housing construction to more than 2,000 homes annually by 2028.
The social housing target is based on modelling from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI), which incorporates historical trends and economic projections to assess future housing needs. This is the first time any Australian state has used such modelling to guide social housing policy.
Since 2015, the Queensland Government has delivered more than 5,000 new social homes, adding to the existing stock of over 75,000. Despite economic and construction sector challenges, the government has adopted innovative approaches, including modular housing and increasing density on existing sites.
Premier Steven Miles said the plan marked a historic step in addressing Queensland’s housing shortage.
“Every Queenslander deserves a place to call home. That means we need to build more homes – it’s that simple,” Mr Miles said.
“Our government already had the biggest investment in housing in the state’s history. Today, we take that even further with a target of 53,500 social homes by 2046, backed by an extra $1.25 billion in funding.”
Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said Queensland had been one of only two states to increase public housing over the past decade but acknowledged more needed to be done.
“This is the first time any state has outlined a social housing strategy based on modelling and evidence,” Ms Scanlon said.
The Queensland Council of Social Service welcomed the plan, with CEO Aimee McVeigh saying it demonstrated the government’s willingness to act on evidence to tackle the housing crisis.
AHURI Managing Director Dr Michael Fotheringham praised the government’s “genuine ambition” and cross-agency cooperation, calling the plan a significant step forward in housing policy.
