It's time we start thinking about unlocking space, innovating and improvising temporary solutions!

Queensland and another day, another desperate and heartbreaking story of someone who is displaced and homeless trying to survive. But don't worry we have 7,400 new social homes will start construction by 2025, that's three years away!

....and A report released this week by Queensland’s auditor general, Brendan Worrall, found 30,922 households – more than 50,000 people – on the state’s housing register, a figure which has grown by 78% since 2018.....and this continues to grow.

The trauma, the anxiety, the depression that is currently being experienced by many, will there have to be a tragedy or loss of life before before any action is taken? I certainly hope not!

So, what is Government (s) going to do in the meantime! And how can industry and the community contribute.

We certainly don't need more studies and we don't need more research, we need action, and we need it now!

My 20 cents is the following, whether you agree or not, maybe it stimulates discussion towards some possible positive outcomes, homelessness is now evolving and something that includes those who are homeless as a result of rental displacement, natural disasters, and traditional homelessness including rough sleeping.

Before i start:

It is worth mentioning that these ideas and opinions are seen as transitory until relevant housing stocks become available or are in fact constructed.

Industry / Government:

Offices: Many commercial office spaces lay dormant and vacant across Brisbane City, the big Real Estate players like Dexus, ISPT, Mirvac and JLL to name a few should get together with government and look at options to turn some of those spaces into mixed use "micro-apartments / living spaces" for professionals / families. Likely more palatable for existing office tenants rather than having having those who are sleeping rough access the building (too much stigma remains for this to be acceptable - imo but would so loved to be proved wrong!). For ease of set up could literally be some partitioning and beds set up, amenities can be shared and most modern end of trips have great facilities. Landlords could still charge a rental price which could be subsidised through Government. It's time to get serious on some Corporate Social Responsibility!

Showgrounds:

The Brisbane Showgrounds and like spaces - The Upper Beef Level on the Ekka site has rooms, colorbond partitioning, in fact, I have a deep understanding of this space, we nearly activated this space as a Beddown venue a while ago (a long story for another time) which again can be utilised for individuals, couples etc. the space needs some TLC to make the area good, but again is very achievable and again a rental price / rental support could be introduced for residents.

Community:

There is a couple of things here for consideration, firstly the 2021 census identified 1million homes were vacant on census night, so this seems like we need action to occur to find ways to get these properties in to the rental market for people to access. This needs owners to submit properties for rental and at prices which are affordable, governments can possibly have contracts with owners for a set period of time like a Defence home model and rent them out and make good at the end if required and hand back to the owner.

Bedrooms! Let's talk about the number of bedrooms that many households have that are not being used, there are lot's all over the place! Matching renters to vacant bedrooms / homes / people for a set period of time doesn't seem to be a great stretch, would need some agreements in place to help both landlord and tenant to ensure the relevant checks and balances are in place, it would also help owners to make an income from an underutilised asset.

Government:

10 year social impact levy - The Queensland Government should introduce a social impact levy to all projects across the state over the next 10 years which would also include Olympics related construction with the funds raised being utilised to fund a variety of projects to assist social & affordable housing as well as homelessness programs. after 10 years this can be assessed on outcomes and determine continuation.

Land banking for development - Many developers are land banking for big pay days, lot's of land banking have properties on which are left empty until development commences there is a bunch of apartments at Kangaroo Point which immediately spring to mind. These properties can be utilised for a period of time until redevelopment commences. Government can work with property developers to free up properties to be used.

Local and State Government assets - Local and State Government have large under-utilised property portfolios, all of which should be released for use as temporary accommodation for homelessness organisations to operate. Local and State Government should run an audit of available properties and publish the list for organisations to access. Peppercorn leases could be activated for the tenancies and possible corporate / industry support could assist with getting venues ready and compliant.

Also as a priority, planning exemptions would need to be put in place for sites to be activated.

Mental health support - no doubt people experiencing varying of levels of vulnerability currently need to have pathways to access appropriate mental health support may seem obvious but probably needs reinforcement.

My fear is the issue is currently compounding and will get worse before it gets better and if action isn't taken, it won't be long before we turn on the TV to see a tragic loss of life in some form being reported.

We have the data, we don't need more studies or research and there is no question in my mind we have to unlock space, innovate, improvise, compromise and be agile, but we need to act now and iterate as we go.