October 2008

The Rockhampton Branch reported a relatively stable quarter despite concerns voiced by public housing tenants on the higher end of the income scale about frequent rent increases without a corresponding rise in income.  In one case, a tenant’s rent was first raised by $30 per week then by a further $35 eight weeks later. The tenants’, who also expressed concerns about security of tenure, have been advised to explore purchasing their homes from the Department.

The Department of Housing launches its Rent Connect trial in the Rockhampton office this month with the expectation that the program will assist eligible clients to obtain private rentals through onsite information, referral and case management.

The Rockhampton Branch anticipates that over 40 providers from as far as Gladstone and Emerald will attend the October Community Housing Council meeting in Rosyln Bay. Queensland Shelter looks forward to attending and updating members on its recent activities.

The regional tenant group continues to build its relationship with community housing tenants  including Roseberry and REACH tenants.