Low income families in Queensland have received some welcome relief with more than 4,000 affordable dwellings built since the Newman Government was elected.
This brings the total number of properties delivered under the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) to more than 6,000, including thirty eight in the Burnett.
That’s an increase of twenty eight new affordable homes delivered in my electorate in just the past six months.
The Newman Government promised to revitalise frontline services for families and that’s even more important when it comes to helping people on low or modest incomes.
NRAS is a joint state and federal government program providing properties that must be rented at no more than 80 per cent of the market rate for that area.
Labor left tens of thousands of families on the social housing waiting list and this scheme is an important way to provide support for people with similar needs.
NRAS fills a crucial gap in the housing system for people who would otherwise be waiting years for social housing.
There are plenty of people who aren’t high-needs enough to get into social housing but still struggle to find a home they can afford.
NRAS is targeted directly at that demographic and is an important part of the Government’s Housing 2020 Strategy.
Under the Housing 2020 Strategy, the Newman Government will deliver an additional 12,000 social and affordable dwellings statewide.
That will include another 3500 NRAS properties over the next 12 months alone.
Our job is to make sure Queensland has a flexible, efficient and supportive housing system that gives all Queenslanders the dignity that comes from having a safe and affordable place to call home.
For more information about the National Rental Affordability Scheme go to: http://www.qld.gov.au/housing/renting/nras/