The Palaszczuk Government has established a one-stop shop for rental assistance as part of the flood recovery efforts in Townsville.
Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’Rourke said we’ve established a Rental Recovery Hub in the Rising Sun Shopping Centre in Mundingburra – a dedicated space where agents and renters can access joined-up, coordinated advice and brokerage assistance to resolve their housing situations.
“We are committed to operating the hub from 10am to 3pm, 7 days a week, for as long as needed.”
“More than 1300 people have been assisted through the Emergency Housing Assistance program, with 518 people now returned to a long-term sustainable home,” said Mrs O’Rourke.
“The Palaszczuk Government is using a range of support to help people get their lives back to normal as quickly as possible and in the housing space this includes rental grants, bond loans and mortgage assistance,” she said.
“The priority in housing remains on ensuring anyone who can’t return home, or stay with family or friends, has a safe, secure place to stay.
“Importantly, everyone who has asked for emergency assistance has been accommodated.”
Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said the Rental Recovery Hub was a partnership between the Palaszczuk Government, Rental Tenancies Authority (RTA), Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) and Tenants Queensland to protect tenancies and obtain the best housing outcomes for residents and local businesses.
“Staff from the REIQ, RTA, Tenants Queensland and my department will work together, case by case, with affected residents and agents to get homes back on line as soon as possible, find temporary accommodation for tenants and preserve tenancies.
“Last week, at forums hosted by the REIQ for all real estate agents in Townsville, we heard from agents whose business are affected by this unprecedented weather event.
“We know in hard times, the Queensland community looks out for each other,” he said.
“And in North Queensland tenants and agents have been working together, with some agents negotiating reduced and even no rent for tenants whose rental properties have been impacted.”
“With many forced out of their homes whilst extensive repairs are underway, we have to work quickly to address their short and longer-term housing need.”
REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said the housing community was pulling together to help the people of Townsville get back to normality as quickly as possible.
“We know that property managers are working hard to provide suitable support for those whose homes have been inundated, with the real estate community going above and beyond to deliver solutions for all who have been affected.”
Penny Carr, CEO of Tenants Queensland said that the Hub delivers a great partnership opportunity.
“Tenants Queensland looks forward to working with government and industry to support flood affected renters and keep them appropriately housed,” she said.
The Residential Tenancies Authority continues to be available on 1300 366 311 or , to provide advice to tenants about their options if their rental has been damaged.
If you are unable to return home, and need housing help, please register for emergency housing support by calling 13QGOV (13 74 68) or visiting .
The North QLD Flood Register is also now available for homeowners to find local licenced tradespeople to repair damage, reconnect power or remove asbestos. To find an appropriately qualified local tradie, please visit .
