Queensland government reveals new social housing target

The Queensland government has announced its soon-to-be-released housing plan, Homes for Queenslanders, which includes a target for 53,500 new social homes by 2046.

Premier Steven Miles said the state government has committed an investment of $6 billion to social and affordable housing, with a down payment of $1.25 billion already having been made.

"Every Queenslander deserves a place to call home. That means we need to build more homes - it's that simple," he said.

"Our plan sets the target of 53,500 social homes by 2046, backed by over $1.2 billion of additional funding, which takes the investment to over $7 billion since 2015.

"I made it clear that in order to address our state's housing need any plan needs to address five key housing pillars - one of those being a boost to social housing."

There are currently more than 75,000 social homes in Queensland. The social housing target was informed by modelling done by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute. The modelling uses findings from historical and predictive analysis, including population growth and social and economic factors, to inform social housing need.

The state will continue to work with the federal government to secure further funding through initiatives such as the Social Housing Accelerator and the Housing Australia Future Fund.

According to the government's recent announcement, social home building will increase substantially in the upcoming years. The delivery will vary each year based on market conditions, and the focus will be on creative techniques such as modular homes.

The overarching social housing target will be regularly reviewed to align with changes in population and housing need.