New data has revealed taxpayers have potentially paid over $1 million each for the two new State Government modular tiny homes in Bundaberg. *
Member for Burnett and registered builder Stephen Bennett challenged the Minister for Housing in Parliament to provide the true cost breakdowns of the projects across the state. **
Mr Bennett said he’s concerned by what appears to be wasteful expenditure and underdelivering while social housing waitlists continue to grow.
“Queensland is in the middle of both a cost-of-living and housing crisis but Labor’s solution has been to build only two homes in Bundaberg at a cost of $1.326 million dollars plus the value of the taxpayer owned land,” said Mr Bennett.
“Despite the minister refusing to provide a breakdown of the costs, it doesn’t take a genius to work out that $1.3 million plus the value of taxpayer’s land, is not good value for money for two modular homes.
“It shows arrogance and complete nonchalance towards hard-earned taxpayer dollars as well as the 1,200 people waiting on application for social housing in the Bundaberg Local Government area.” ***
Mr Bennett has also questioned Labor’s misleading claims around using ‘it’s public building arm QBuild’ and creating more jobs for QBuild apprentices.
“The minister’s response clearly shows the modular tiny home project was delivered by a large private construction corporation,” he said.
“Labor missed their apprenticeship completion targets by 16,000 over the last eight years.
“They’ve had nearly a decade to fix the skilled workers shortage and haven’t.
“We’re sick of and tired of the spin.”
Mr Bennett said the LNP has put solutions on the table.
“After three years the $2 billion Housing Investment Fund still hasn’t built a single new home,” said Mr Bennett.
“Under Labor, Queensland has released 30% less lots than planned
“We’re also the only state where community housing has gone backwards and the auditor general has revealed the net increase in social housing has been a paltry 200 per year.
“This is yet another alarming example of how Queenslanders are forking out more to pay for Labor’s failures.
“Only the LNP has the right priorities for Queensland’s future which includes securing our housing foundations.
“It starts with infrastructure partnerships with councils to release more land, welcoming community housing sector growth after a decade of decline and providing yearly social housing targets.
“The LNP will also end poor planning in Queensland by ensuring a proper infrastructure strategy to provide housing options in growing areas without compromising the lifestyle of those who already call our state home.”
* Source: 358-2024.pdf (parliament.qld.gov.au)
*** Source: https://www.qcoss.org.au/data/queensland-social-housing-register/
ENDS.
23/05/2024