Tenant News December 2008

• Minister’s message

  As this edition of Tenant News is going to print, the Department of Housing is working hard to make repairs to more than 640 dwellings damaged during recent storms in South East Queensland and the Central Highlands.

• Director-General’s message

  Over the past two years, the Department of Housing has been making significant changes to improve the range of housing assistance available for clients through one social housing system in Queensland.

• Training workshops for tenants across the state

  In September this year, a total of 74 tenants from each regional area in Queensland participated in the 'Building Tenant Group Capacity' training in Brisbane.

• National Rental Affordability Scheme

  A new initiative by the Commonwealth and State Governments, the National Rental Affordability Scheme, will soon create more affordable rental housing in Queensland’s private rental market. The scheme aims to provide up to 50,000 new affordable rental dwellings across Australia by 2012.

• RentConnect – a new assistance service

  A new initiative, being trialled in Caboolture and Central Queensland, aims to assist people who are struggling to secure a home to rent in the private market.

• Discount card for carers

  In July 2008, the Carer Business Discount Card was launched for Queensland carers who receive the Centrelink Care Payment or the Carer Allowance.

• Community Renewal helping employment prospects in Townsville

  Do you need help with writing a résumé, searching for a job, computer technology or planning your career?

• New units in Stafford

  Ten new social housing units in Stafford were officially opened in September by Housing Minister Robert Schwarten and local member Stirling Hinchliffe.

• Plans for Queensland’s future — Toward Q2

  Can you imagine what Queensland might be like in 2020? Some of the biggest changes to the way we live have occurred in recent times with the evolution of new technologies and science.

• Garden Awards a blooming success

  Housing Minister, Karen Struthers, launched the 2009 Water-Wise Garden Awards at the Boronia Heights Bushland Reserve in June.

• Your tenancy and the Ongoing Eligibility policy

  The Ongoing Eligibility policy allows the department to consider whether a household has improved its circumstances and no longer needs housing assistance subsidised by the Queensland Government.

• New policy and criteria for transfers

  A new policy and criteria for tenants applying for a transfer came into effect on 22 September 2008, as part of the new client intake and assessment process.

• Tips for paying rent over Christmas

  The added expenses that come with Christmas and the New Year can strain household budgets. Here are some suggestions to help you avoid falling behind in rent payments during the holidays.

• Do you receive Veterans' Affairs payments?

  If you receive income support payments from the Department of Veterans' Affairs, you can pay your rent and maintenance payments electronically via EasyPay.

• Celebrate Queensland's 150th anniversary

  Queensland’s 150th celebrations (Q150) will take place across Queensland from January to December 2009. The celebrations are being held to commemorate Queensland’s 150th year of independence from New South Wales as a colony.

• Prepare for the storm season

  Many areas of Queensland are subject to severe storms and even cyclones. Here are a few things you can do before a storm, to help prevent injuries to people and damage to homes.

• South East Queensland water restrictions eased

  The Queensland Water Commission eased compulsory water restrictions in South East Queensland in July 2008, allowing residents to use up to 170 litres a day if needed.

• Tenant News goes audio!

  If you would like this newsletter in audio format instead of a paper copy, please phone 3225 1962 to talk to a staff member.

• Maintenance contact details

  Maintenance contact details.

• Have your say on your newsletter

  Please contact us with your news, views, handy hints and ideas for future newsletter stories.