Goodna Street Life - Helping the Homeless

Addressing homelessness and housing insecurity through zoning, land allocation, and funding reforms.

Queensland faces a growing crisis in homelessness and housing insecurity. This proposal recommends legislative amendments to enshrine responsibilities for local councils in addressing homelessness.

Key Provisions:

Mandated land allocations for homeless shelters and community services.
Inclusionary zoning requiring affordable housing in new developments.
Free camping sites with essential amenities for housing-insecure individuals.
Guaranteed access to emergency and transitional accommodation.
Sustainable funding mechanisms for local homelessness programs.

The Current Challenge

Queensland has over 27,000 homeless people.
No mandate for councils to allocate land for shelters.
Affordable housing availability is decreasing.

Evidence-Based Solutions

Mandatory zoning reduces long-term homelessness (Fitzpatrick et al., 2022).
Free public campsites improve public health (Pablo & London, 2022).
Inclusionary zoning creates long-term affordable housing (Lawson & Ruonavaara, 2019).

🏠 Mandating Land Allocations for Homeless Shelters

2% of public land dedicated to emergency housing.
Fast-track approvals for crisis accommodation.

🌍 Inclusionary Zoning for Affordable Housing

5-10% of new housing units must be affordable.
Zoning for domestic violence refuges and social services.

⛺ Free Public Campsites

1 campsite per 10,000 residents with basic amenities.
State grants available for local government support.

Phase	Action	Timeframe
Phase 1	Amend Local Government Act	6 months
Phase 2	Identify & allocate land for shelters	12 months
Phase 3	Implement zoning & affordable housing requirements	18 months
Phase 4	Establish free campsites & emergency housing	24 months

✅ Expected Outcomes

Reduced chronic homelessness.
More affordable housing options.
Sustainable funding & accountability.

The Local Government Homelessness and Housing Infrastructure Act 2025 provides an evidence-based approach to reducing homelessness in Queensland.

We urge the Queensland Government to adopt these recommendations and lead in innovative housing solutions.

Recommended Changes to the Local Government Act 2009

Legislative amendments to enhance social housing, homelessness services, and community support infrastructure.

Recommended Amendment: New Section - “Local Government’s Responsibility for Housing and Homelessness Support”

Each local government must develop a Housing and Homelessness Plan identifying land for shelters and transitional housing.
Public land must be allocated for emergency accommodation.
Local governments must provide support services such as mental health and employment assistance.
Mandated zoning for shelters and affordable housing in urban planning schemes.

Recommended Amendment: New Section – “Public Access to Free Campsites and Amenities”

One designated free campsite per 10,000 residents, with access to basic amenities.
Campsites must be near essential services such as food and healthcare.
Local governments can apply for state funding to maintain and expand facilities.

Recommended Amendment: Changes to Planning and Development Regulations

Major developments must allocate 5-10% of land for community services.
Mandated provisions for domestic violence refuges, homeless shelters, and affordable housing.
Shopping centers and commercial areas must provide free spaces for community organizations.

Recommended Amendment: New Section – “Affordable and Temporary Accommodation Provisions”

One emergency housing facility per 50,000 residents.
At least 5% of new residential developments must include affordable housing.
Local governments must approve modular housing and tiny home communities as emergency accommodations.

Recommended Amendment: New Section – “Funding and Compliance for Social Housing”

Local governments must allocate at least 2% of their revenue to housing programs.
Mandatory biennial reports on homelessness strategy and budget allocations.

📜 Local Government Homelessness & Housing Infrastructure Act 2025