Quick Exit
Quick Exit
SOUTH BURNETT, QLD - A critical housing shortage across the South Burnett has left dozens of vulnerable residents without options, with local support services at full capacity and forced to turn people away. With vacancy rates as low as 0.1% in Murgon, and fewer than 35 properties available across the entire region, the rental market is now unaffordable and inaccessible for many individuals and families - including those working or receiving income support.
“WE ARE STRUGGLING TO KEEP UP”: SOUTH BURNETT REACHES BREAKING POINT IN HOUSING CRISIS
“The truth is we’re at capacity. We are turning people away because there is literally nowhere left to put them,” said Nick Krauksts, Team Leader for Housing and Homelessness at South Burnett CTC.
“We have 168 people linked to our program right now, and more coming in daily. We supported over 500 people last year – but it’s not enough. We need more housing. We need more options. We need change.”
According to current data:
• Median rent in Kingaroy is $450 per week – or $900 per fortnight
• A single person on JobSeeker receives $781/fn, plus $211 rent assistance
• That leaves them with just $92 to live on, or worse
• Rent should not exceed 30 – 40% of income – yet in South Burnett, many pay over 70%
For vulnerable applicants, the process itself becomes another barrier:
“People who’ve lived with family or escaped violence often can’t provide rental history, payslips or references,” Krauksts said. “Some don’t even get to apply because they’re locked out before they start. It’s not just about affordability – it’s about access.”
A Humanitarian Crisis in Plain Sight
South Burnett CTC CEO Jason Erbacher says the situation is no longer manageable without systemic support.
“This is not a case of a few rough sleepers – this is a full-blown community housing emergency,” Mr Erbacher said. “We’re seeing families sleeping in cars, pensioners facing eviction, and working parents unable to secure a home. These aren’t fringe cases. These are our neighbours, our clients, our friends. The system is failing them.”
Erbacher called for urgent action from all levels of government, including:
• Investment in crisis and transitional housing for regional areas
• Expansion of programs like Enhanced outreach and tenancy sustainment
• Increased funding for frontline workers to meet growing demand
• A review of income support rates and rent assistance indexing
• Landlord incentives to offer long-term, affordable tenancies
“We’re doing everything we can – but without more housing, more funding, and more flexibility in policy, we are losing ground.”
About South Burnett CTC
South Burnett CTC is a not-for-profit organisation supporting people in times of hardship. Through housing support, youth and family programs, disability services, and domestic violence prevention, we walk alongside the community – especially when times are tough.
Click on the link to see 7News Interview with South Burnett CEO Jason Erbacher https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1ELquV2bGs/
Media contact: Camille Champagne
CTC Communication Officer 0466 550 104
