Cairns Councillor Brett Moller has publicly questioned the planning logic behind what he describes as a high concentration of social housing in the city's southern suburb of Edmonton. Moller is calling for a greater spread of such housing across different areas to avoid overburdening a single community.
Councillor Calls for 'Common Sense' in Housing Distribution
In a recent council meeting, Cr Moller voiced strong concerns about the current approach to social and affordable housing in Cairns. He specifically highlighted the Edmonton area, where a significant number of new social housing dwellings are either planned or under construction. Moller argued that this concentration lacks 'common sense' and fails to consider the broader social and infrastructure impacts on the existing community.
The councillor pointed to several active projects to illustrate his point. These include 12 three-bedroom homes being built on Lacey Street and a development on Robert Road that will add more units. He emphasised that while supporting social housing is crucial, the strategy must be smarter and more equitable.
The Data Behind the Concern
Cr Moller's stance is backed by specific figures he presented to the council. He revealed that data from the Queensland Department of Housing showed Edmonton already has 510 social housing dwellings. Furthermore, an additional 58 dwellings are currently in the pipeline for the suburb. This number, he contends, is disproportionately high compared to other parts of Cairns.
For context, Moller compared this to the entire neighbouring region of Yarrabah, which has a total of 257 social housing properties. His argument centres on the need for a city-wide, balanced approach where all suburbs share the responsibility of providing affordable housing options, rather than letting one area bear the brunt.
Broader Implications and the Search for Solutions
The councillor's comments tap into a wider, often tense, debate about urban planning, community capacity, and social equity. Moller stressed that over-concentrating social housing can strain local services, infrastructure, and community cohesion. He is advocating for a policy that integrates social housing more evenly across various suburbs, promoting inclusivity and preventing the creation of disadvantaged enclaves.
'My ask is simply for common sense to prevail,' Moller stated, urging both the Cairns Regional Council and the Queensland state government to review their distribution models. He believes a collaborative and strategic plan is essential for the long-term health of all Cairns communities, ensuring that growth in essential housing is managed sustainably and fairly for every resident.
The issue is now set for further discussion within council, as local representatives grapple with balancing urgent housing needs against the long-term social planning of their city's neighbourhoods.
