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Branch History

Formally established as a branch of Queensland Shelter in August 1993, the Townsville based North Qld branch had already been meeting around regional housing issues for several years.  Some branch activities have included: -

  • Addressing Regional Communities Council and Cabinet on issues currently impacting on the local housing market, including industry impacts and the ‘fly in and fly out’ operations of mining companies
  • Participating in forums organised by the Townsville Regional Tenants’ Action Group (TRTAG)
  • Responding to program and policy reviews including, submission to the Senate GST Inquiry, Townsville-Thuringowa Strategic Plan, Townsville City Plan,
    Qld Affordable Housing Strategy and many state and housing policy reviews

  • Developing media campaigns, lobbying members of local and state government and undertaking local housing issue related community education

  • Undertaking project work on housing issues. The North Queensland Shelter Branch’s first project was the Report on Homelessness in the Townsville Region. This was followed by the development of an analysis of the Affordable Housing Needs in Townsville, a natural follow-on to the Homelessness Report. 
The North Queensland Branch membership has traditionally included the local TAASQ, CRS and community housing service workers and members, youth housing service workers, public and community and private rental tenants, the public housing tenant participation worker, Townsville City Council and many community service workers.