Real estate in Queensland is looking like it will experience a boost as the state government intends to work on innovation and efficiency, identifying social housing as a priority in Queensland.
On June 4, housing and public works minister Tim Mander said the 2013-14 state budget includes $442.9 million to provide housing to Queenslanders in need, and to deliver housing accommodation for public servants working in the region, saying "it is no secret that the public housing system is under great stress".
"The task of fixing the state’s finances was made all the more difficult after the January 2013 natural disasters. Currently, there are more than 23,000 applications for social housing in Queensland."
Mr Mander said that the state government is tackling these challenges by working to deliver services more effectively and efficiently, and by implementing policies which will promote economic growth in the region.
The government is set to partner with a number of not-for-profits and the private sector in order to roll out initiatives, including renewal projects in Logan, the Gold Coast, Mount Isa, Townsville and Gladstone. These will focus on making social and affordable housing more accessible.
Rental properties will become more accessible with $20.7 million in Queensland government incentives to investors to deliver more than 10,000 dwellings through the National Rental Affordability Scheme.
A total of $237.7 million will go towards improving and increasing the number of dwellings in indigenous communities.
"From 1 July, Building and Asset Services (BAS) will commence operations, centrally coordinating the procurement and contract management of building services to ensure the best value for money across government," Mr Mander noted, prioritising money well spent on the local housing industry.
It has been a difficult time for Queensland with the need to rebuild from the flooding it experienced and become a more resilient area.
"In more ways than one, this Budget is about rebuilding Queensland," said Tim Nicholls, state treasurer and minister for trade.
Mr Nicholls cited the $36.5 million funding reconstruction and recovery on the Gold Coast alone as an example of the work the state has in store.
Housing however, remains one aspect vital to a state's productivity and prosperity, so it remains a priority for the state of Queensland to support the industry.
