Newsroom

January 24, 2022

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, says overcrowding problems in Yarrabah[1] would be overcome if 25 one-hectare freehold title deeds were released and issued in the Far North Queensland community, so that 25 double-demountable buildings could be built for accommodation.

Covid-19 is spreading rapidly through the town with people unable to effectively quarantine due to the housing shortage, with some properties housing as many as 20 people under one roof.

“There would be no difficulty raising the money off the banks for the demountable buildings, and of course the title deeds must be inalienable,” Mr Katter said.

“That’s all we need, and it wouldn’t cost the public purse a single cent. 20 or 30 people could die here that shouldn’t have to die.

“All the State Government has to do is issue 25 title deeds on pieces of paper. Don’t give me the nonsense about studies, town planners and services. What we need is more accommodation now. This has been a long running issue. The demountable-buildings and title deeds aren’t my ideas, they are from a Yarrabah local.

“If you, the State Government, don’t act then let the deaths be on your conscience. The Federal Government doesn’t get off the hook either.
It has continued to underfund housing in First Australian communities since Kevin Rudd’s $5 billion program expired.”

[1] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-01-23/queensland-indigenous-mayors-alarmed-by-overcrowding/100773094