Local government and housing

The Department of Communities provides a practical guide to help local governments identify housing issues and develop effective responses at the local level.

The Local Government Housing Resource Kit (PDF, 386 KB) was developed in conjunction with a Steering Committee of State, Local Government, Local Government Association of Queensland and community representatives

This resource is designed for local governments wanting to play a role in addressing their community's housing needs. The Kit can be used by large and small local governments, regardless of their level of involvement in local housing issues, and by other stakeholders in the community.

The Kit aims to assist local governments to:

• develop an understanding of current Australian housing issues and how to identify critical issues in their area;
• learn what local governments around Australia are doing to make a positive contribution to housing outcomes in their town and cities;
• discover how corporate plans and planning schemes can most effectively contribute to affordable housing outcomes;
• identify the benefits that housing-related policies may make to their area; and
• follow a step-by-step guide to develop, implement and review a housing policy and housing strategy.

The ways in which local governments might respond to housing issues will vary according to local circumstances and resources. Regardless of whether a Council's response is broad or narrow, the Department of Communities recognises the important contribution that local governments make to building healthy communities through supporting the provision of appropriate housing.

A brochure (PDF, 1 MB) providing an overview of the kit is also available.

The Local Government Housing Resource Kit is a working document, and will be improved and updated as feedback is received. The Department of Communities welcomes comments and suggestions from local governments and other stakeholders. Feedback should be emailed to affordable@housing.qld.gov.au.