The peak body representing Queensland councils has warned rushed rule changes will not solve the housing crisis and the only way to get more people into good, secure homes is with proper consideration and consultation with the community.
Proper consultation with councils would have avoided the unintended consequences of the State Government’s rushed changes to granny flats and rooming accommodation rules, Local Government Association of Queensland chief executive officer Alison Smith said.
“Councils have a strong track record of working collaboratively with the State Government to deliver positive outcomes for communities and have put forward a suite of proposals and ideas to the State Government to help address the housing crisis as proof we are keen to continue to work closely,” Ms Smith said.
“Poorly considered tinkering with rules around what is often someone’s biggest investment will not solve the housing crisis.
“Properly consulting with councils before making major changes ensures impacts on local communities are known and accounted for and would have avoided the unintended consequences of the rushed changes to secondary dwellings and rooming accommodation rules.
“Queenslanders are simultaneously grappling with a cost of living crisis as well as a housing crisis so councils will need to carefully consider any request by the State to reduce the fees developers pay to ensure it will indeed help improve things for those seeking to buy a home and not simply shift those costs on to mum and dad ratepayers.
“Removing the need for planning approvals and failing to consult on reforms before they are implemented will not solve the housing crisis.
“As the level of government closest to their communities, councils see the impacts of the housing crisis every day and are not standing still on this issue.
“Councils are going over and above their core roles and responsibilities to support local communities, undertaking a range of housing initiatives and projects to get more families and community members into good, secure homes in liveable communities.
Ms Smith said Queensland councils sounded the alarm on the housing crisis in October 2021, and since then have produced a six-point action plan as well as a suite of almost 40 proposals designed to help address housing issues.
“As councils cannot create or amend legislation, many of the proposals require State and Federal government action through Parliament,” Ms Smith said.
“With so many stakeholders involved in housing, Queensland councils are continuing to call for a national summit to bring all parties together to see what further levers can be pulled to enable more opportunities to address the critical shortage in accommodation.”
For more information, please contact:
Dan Knowles, Media Advisor
Phone: 0432 681 664
Local Government Association of Queensland