Two Queensland peak bodies have come together in a major push to expedite critical funding needed for trunk infrastructure to tackle the housing crisis.
The LGAQ and UDIA Queensland lodged a joint request to the State Government ahead of the State Election campaign, asking for adequate trunk infrastructure funding that is vital to unlocking housing supply and supporting the goal of delivering one million new homes by 2046.
LGAQ CEO Alison Smith and UDIA Queensland CEO Kirsty Chessher-Brown said there is an overwhelming need to deliver more housing in Queensland, and that neither councils nor the property industry are standing in the way.
Both agree it’s the lack of trunk infrastructure funding that is the major barrier to achieving housing targets.
“Trunk infrastructure is the backbone of liveable communities. You can’t build without having trunk infrastructure that includes local roads, parks, water supply and sewer infrastructure,” Ms Smith said.
“The LGAQ’s recent research into the trunk infrastructure funding gap found that without urgent action, ratepayers could be forced to cover a $2.2 billion trunk infrastructure funding black hole over the next four years.”
Ms Smith said that despite a big focus on cost of living relief, funding the current trunk infrastructure shortfall doesn’t have bi-partisan support.
Queensland councils have welcomed a $2 billion trunk infrastructure funding commitment by the LNP in June.
UDIA Queensland CEO Kirsty Chessher-Brown said the housing crisis is continuing in Queensland.
“New homebuyers are under unprecedented stress," Ms Chessher-Brown said.
“A plan for more homes cannot be delivered without more infrastructure – infrastructure which needs to be adequately funded,” Ms Chessher-Brown said.
Ms Smith added: “Councils are the least funded level of government with limited revenue options; for example, councils don’t collect GST, stamp duty or royalties – they collect rates, dog registrations, fees and charges.
“We are in a cost of living crisis, yet the risk is that if councils can’t fund the infrastructure black hole then it will be ratepayers who will be asked to – unless the State Government steps in to assist.
“Either land tax revenue, which is tipped to reach $2.32 billion this financial year or stamp duty revenue, which exceeded forecasts by an additional $3.5 billion, would more than adequately fill the funding black hole.”
UDIA Queensland media contact: Kate Cummins - 0400 885 099
LGAQ Media Advisor: Dan Knowles - 0432 681 664