Access to quality community housing services will be secured across the Western Downs thanks to a landmark transfer of Western Downs Regional Council's community housing portfolio to not-for-profit specialist housing provider Community Housing (Qld) Ltd (CHQL).
From 1 October 2024, 52 Council-owned and maintained community housing dwellings will be owned and operated by CHQL paving the way for stronger community housing outcomes on the Western Downs.
Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Andrew Smith said the completion of the transfer signalled a greater confidence and certainty in relation to the availability of quality community housing across the region.
"This transfer of Council's community housing assets is a great win for our community and ensures our community housing is managed by an organisation with the right expertise and resources to support - and potentially grow - community housing in the Western Downs," Cr Smith said.
"Council is focussed on proactive and sustainable planning for the future and we are confident that CHQL, with its extensive experience and good reputation, will deliver the same high standard of community housing.
"Our core objective has always been to ensure our community has affordable, quality community housing now and in the future, and this has been achieved through the transfer to CHQL.
"I'd like to thank the Queensland Government, and particularly the Director General - Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works for partnering with Council and CHQL to achieve this great outcome."
CHQL is part of the Community Housing Ltd (CHL) group of companies and is the largest deliverer of community Housing in Queensland. Its portfolio includes more than 200 dwellings in the Western Downs and Maranoa regions.
"Community Housing Ltd is pleased to be partnering with Council and looks forward to providing comprehensive tenancy and property management services to the residents in these homes," CHQL State Manager Alicia Follent said.
"The transfer of these properties will facilitate CHL's development plans to increase the supply of social and affordable housing in the Western Downs region."
While this is a significant step forward, both Council and CHL are committed to a long-term affiliation to grow the region's community housing offerings.
"We've still got work to do, and Council - in partnership with CHQL - will continue to advocate on behalf of the community for investment and action to address shortages of community housing to meet the demand of our rapidly growing communities so more people can continue to call the Western Downs home," Cr Smith said.
