New home provides rental relief

Last updated: 

8 December 2021 3:24PM  

First published: 

8 December 2021 3:22PM

A new social housing complex in Bundaberg is providing a safe and affordable home for people finding it tough to secure a rental property.

“An increasing number of Bundaberg households have found themselves needing housing assistance due to increasing rental costs. Retirees and single parent families often account for a high proportion of this demand,” said Brett Hanna, CEO of Regional Housing Limited.

The new housing complex was a partnership between the Queensland Government and community housing provider, Regional Housing Limited (RHL).

“Partnering with the Queensland Government has enabled RHL to deliver more life-changing housing outcomes for those in need,” said Brett.

“The partnership has been a positive experience and established a truly collaborative relationship, allowing the exchange of invaluable insights and resulting in fantastic housing outcomes for the community.”

*Clare, a resident in the new Bundaberg complex said that her and her daughter were relieved when they moved into their new home.

“It’s a lovely home and the best thing is that we have a home,” she said.

“My daughter and I were both stressed because we couldn’t find a rental, she was worried we’d be homeless.”

Clare said that finding a safe and affordable rental property was difficult.

“I have a great rental history and have never missed a payment,” she said.

“I searched for about 4-5 months for a suitable property to rent and I just kept getting rejected. You find something and 50 people apply and all the while the rent keeps going up.”

After contacting a friend who is a real estate agent, Clare was put on the path to her home.

“My friend was unable to find me a suitable rental property, but she suggested I contact the Bundaberg Housing Service Centre to get help,” she said.

“I’m glad I contacted them because the staff were amazing and helped me find this place.

“It’s a beautiful 2-bedroom home and the security is awesome. I feel safe here and that was a big factor for me and my daughter in finding a suitable property.”

Brett said that the best thing about this project is providing a safe and secure housing for 16 Bundaberg households at a time when it’s needed most.

“Securing an affordable home often allows people to focus more of their time, energy and financial resources on other areas of their life that bring prosperity and joy, such as education, health and community connectedness.”

Now that she’s found a home, Clare said her, and her daughter can focus more on their health and wellbeing.

“My daughter and I like to go to the beach, and I like to go to the gym when I’m not working,” she said.

“It’s good for fitness as well as mental health. I always feel more energetic when I’ve done some physical activity.”

Clare said that it was good that the department had initiatives like this to help Queenslanders.

“I’ve heard similar rental stories to mine from people living in this complex and some were worse than mine,” she said.

“The complex is nice, and the unit layout is really well-designed. I hope the department will build more social housing like this.”

*Name changed to protect privacy.