Social housing waitlist jumps more than 10 percent

The waiting list for social housing in Queensland is approaching 50,000, with a more than 10 percent jump over the past year.

New data released by the State Government showed 47,820 people were now waiting for social housing, with 1800 added during the September quarter.

State Housing Minister Sam O’Connor said Queensland’s social housing waitlist grew by 11 percent in the 12 months to September, and four percent in the quarter.

Minister O’Connor said over the past decade investment in social housing grew by six percent, while Queensland’s population jumped 16 percent.

He said the Government would implement a number of measures to reduce the waitlist, with a goal of building 53,500 additional social and community homes by 2044.

“(We will be) unlocking church and charity land, boosting support for homelessness services, and working to unleash the potential of the community housing sector to deliver more homes faster.”

Minister O’Connor said there were also plans to create eight new supported accommodation services for young Queenslanders and 10 new and replacement domestic and family violence shelters for vulnerable women and children.

Queensland Social Housing Waitlist

Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Housing Delivery Region: 1118.