Friday 5 September 2008

Qld has highest homeless rate in Australia


The figures show more than 26,000 people were living on the streets in Qld in 2006.

The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures show Queensland has the highest homeless population in Australia.

The figures show more than 26,000 people were living on the streets in Queensland in 2006.

Mission Australia spokesman Tony Stevenson says thousands more are homeless now.

The ABS report shows 105,000 Australians were homeless on Census night in 2006.

He says rapid urban sprawl has reduced the amount of affordable housing across the state.

Caravan parks were one source of affordable housing for many people and that is now not available.

Mr Stevenson says increasing rent prices in mining towns like Mackay and Mount Isa are also forcing people out of their homes.

"There are lots of rural and regional towns that have now become absolutely unaffordable to people who have traditionally lived in those communities," he said.

The report shows the Queensland's homeless population rose by 2,000 in five years and that more than half of Australia's homeless are under 24 years of age.

Related:

More homeless seeking help: report
A new report shows there has been a substantial increase in the number of homeless Australians seeking government help.

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