QUEENSLAND’S St Vincent de Paul Society is looking to build low-cost rental properties in towns like Roma to help those left behind in the resources boom.
State president John Campbell, who has just completed a 14-stop 2000km- plus fact-finding mission through the Southern Downs and areas west of Toowoomba, said talks about such a project had been initiated with the Roma Shire Council.
“It’s clear that low-cost housing is vital – there are more people in crisis than ever before,” he said.
“This has come with the booming mineral and gas developments in regions such as the Surat Basin.
“What I’ve found inland is a similar story to the coast: the prosperity from the resources boom is not being spread evenly.
“In fact it’s causing problems for many less fortunate people in these communities as rising rents force them out of existing accommodation.
“Women with children are being particularly affected.”
Mr Campbell also visited other centres including Warwick, Inglewood, Goondiwindi, Dirranbandi, Cunnamulla, Quilpie, Charleville, Dalby, Roma and Toowoomba.
With him were the society’s central council president Ron Klease and Toowoomba central council manager Cathy Brosnan.
Mr Campbell said the fact-finding mission which ran from September 29 to October 8 had been about gaining “a real understanding of the diverse specific needs facing each part of Queensland”.
During the tour he met with local St Vincent de Paul members as well as community leaders including mayors and the local police.
Mr Campbell also expressed concern about diminishing numbers of St Vincent de Paul members and volunteers in the regions visited.
“Just at the time the demand for the society’s services are increasing our numbers are diminishing as members get older,” he said.
