A 20 per cent rise in applications to Queensland’s public housing waiting list in less than a year has sparked fresh calls for a construction boost to meet still-growing demand and help drive COVID-19 recovery efforts.
The number of applications on the housing register sat at 25,613 at the end of May, data released by Housing and Public Works Minister Mick de Brenni shows.
This marks an increase of about 4300 since June 30 last year. Analysis of the data suggests this now equates to more than 47,000 people.
Advocacy and social service groups have seized on the figures, which they say will only rise further as state and federal support for those impacted by the pandemic is wound back.
