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.
This damage ranged from roofs blown off or houses damaged by fallen trees through to flood-damaged floor coverings, broken windows and the loss of electricity.
The department responded immediately to the mammoth task of making properties safe as quickly as possible and finding, where necessary, alternative accommodation for its tenants.
I would like to pay tribute to departmental staff who went above and beyond the call of duty in helping affected tenants.
Towards Q2 — Tomorrow's Queensland
In September, the Premier launched the Toward Q2 — Tomorrow's Queensland initiative which includes five goals to address current and future challenges for Queensland — Strong, Smart, Healthy, Fair and Green.
The activities of the Department of Housing certainly align with the Government's fairness ambition.
The government will spend an average of $4.5 million each day this financial year boosting the stock of social housing across the state to give those who have been marginalised by the current housing crisis access to a safe and affordable roof over their heads.
One of the targets set to achieve the Q2 ambition of fairness is to increase by 50% the number of Queenslanders involved in their communities.
Tenants can get involved in creating a fairer community by joining their local tenant group.
The department supports tenant groups through its Tenant Participation program, which encourages tenants to become involved in the decisions affecting their homes and their local community.
In closing, may I take this opportunity to wish you all a happy and safe Christmas and New Year.
Robert Schwarten
Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology
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