Queensland councils have called on the State and Federal Governments to provide more significant assistance to address the state's housing shortage.
Vacancy rates for rental properties on Redland's mainland dropped to 0.4 per cent in March, the equal lowest for the area in the past decade, while the Scenic Rim and Logan fell to its lowest ever, reaching 0.5 per cent and 0.7 per cent, respectively.
Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) CEO Alison Smith said long-standing housing shortages and growth and affordability challenges had impacted many regions and communities over the past decade.
"The work State has been undertaking with councils to progress local housing action plans alongside its record $2.9 billion funding spend has been much welcomed by the LGAQ and our member councils," Ms Smith said.
"It is clear, however, that more needs to be done."
The state's housing shortage has been felt by renters all around Queensland.
According to the Real Estate Institute of Queensland, rental vacancy rates fell to record lows in more than half of the state's 50 local government areas for the March 2022 quarter.
In March, councillors from the Redland City Council voted to table a series of motions at the Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly in June to address the community's housing pressures.
In May, LGAQ and 12 other peak Queensland bodies called for establishing a National Housing Summit.
LGAQ have since continued their pressure on the State and Federal Governments, calling for more social housing funding, an extension to the First Home Owners' Grant, and unlocking abandoned, unused, and empty properties.
Ms Smith said LGAQ had pleaded with both levels of government to act and reduce the state's housing shortages.
"Every Queensland community deserves to be a liveable one and every Queenslander deserves the security of affordable and secure housing," Ms Smith said.
"Unprecedented low-interest rates, sharply rising property prices, supply chain issues, significant labour shortage issues and scarcity of trades have worsened the housing crisis and been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and recent severe storms and floods," she said.
"The impact of this perfect housing storm on our State is resulting in a range of social challenges for individuals, families and local communities statewide, including increased homelessness, mental health pressures, drug and alcohol abuse and crime rates."
