Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett is calling on the State Government to get serious about the housing crisis and cut fees and red tape.
It follows pleas from developers and families who said they simply can’t afford the delays and taxes that come with building.
Mr Bennett said if the State Government refuses to work with the private sector, they should at least stop working against them.
“We know there are developers who are seriously considering large projects that could mean hundreds of houses in the Bundaberg and Burnett region, but they’re not willing to commit due to the fees, charges and red tape being imposed upon them,” he said.
“It’s clear the Palaszczuk Government has no intention of trying to fix this housing crisis.”
An analysis of budget service delivery statements shows the government is covering up its social housing failings by removing the targets it sets for itself.
“The average wait time for Queenslanders on the social housing list classified as high or very high need had a target of eight months last year,” said Mr Bennett.
“Sadly, a 14-month waitlist was achieved, so the State Labor Government has now moved the target to 12 months. “This is simply not good enough.
“They are more focused on fixing their woeful image instead of fixing the problems that matter to Queenslanders.”
Principal of First National Real Estate Bundaberg Justin Mayberry said there’s the State Government needs to open state-owned land.
“With population growth we cannot wait any longer for inaction,” he said.
“People are living in cars and tents; this is not acceptable for a first-world country.
“We cannot accept COVID as an excuse for not doing anything!
“If the state can come up with $1 billion to build a tunnel in Brisbane so workers can get to work five minutes faster, then they should be able to find the money or resources to solve the problem.
“Queensland is a large state, It’s not just about the southeast corner.
“Developers are wanting to build in Bundaberg, and they see that it has massive potential, but many do not want or can afford the long wait times and high development costs.
ENDS.
28/07/2022