MORE Ipswich families, seniors and essential workers are waiting longer than ever for a safe, secure place to call home, with new data revealing a sharp rise in demand for social housing across Ipswich.
Figures from the Social Housing Register show applications through the Ipswich Housing Service Centre rose from 1263 in September 2024 to 1462 in September 2025 – a 15.8 per cent increase in just one year. Average wait times now extend beyond two years.
Behind the figures are local residents living with uncertainty, juggling rising rents, soaring house prices and the daily stress of not knowing when – or if – housing support will arrive.
The increase in Ipswich reflects a broader statewide trend, with more than 10,000 additional Queenslanders joining the social housing register over the past year. At the same time, housing stress continues to intensify, particularly for renters.
Data uncovered by the Queensland Opposition shows 81 per cent of Ipswich renters are now experiencing housing stress, meaning the cost of keeping a roof over their head is consuming a disproportionate share of household income.
State Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum said the growing waitlist mirrored the real-life experiences of people across the community.
“These aren’t just statistics – they are families with children, older residents and vulnerable people who are part of our neighbourhoods,” Mr McCallum said.
“When people are waiting years for housing support, it affects their health, their kids’ schooling and their ability to stay connected to their community.”
A Department of Housing and Public Works spokesperson said the social housing register was a point-in-time measure that could fluctuate day to day, and that initiatives were underway to address the shortfall.
“It is important to recognise that households on the social housing register are often supported by a range of other private rental supports offered by the Queensland Government, such as bond loans, rental grants, subsidies and RentConnect services,” the spokesperson said.
“These products support Queenslanders who are struggling to find, access and keep tenancies in the private market.”
The spokesperson said the State Government remained committed to boosting supply, with more than 5800 social and affordable homes currently in construction or under contract across Queensland. This forms part of a long-term target to deliver 53,500 social and community homes by 2044.
More than 270 social and affordable homes are currently in construction or under contract within the Ipswich Local Government Area, with 100 social homes delivered since November 2024 – including 71 in partnership with registered community housing providers.
Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said the pressure was being felt acutely in a region already experiencing rapid population growth.
“More locals are being pushed closer to homelessness while waiting longer than ever for social housing,” she said.
“Ipswich is growing fast, but the supply of affordable homes simply isn’t keeping pace with demand.”
Member for Jordan Charis Mullen said the rising waitlist was a clear warning sign.
“Housing should provide stability and dignity, not anxiety and endless waiting.”
The latest breakdown shows 677 applicants waiting in Bundamba, 406 in Ipswich West, 294 in Ipswich and 85 in Jordan within the Ipswich local government area.
Community advocates warn that without sustained investment in social and affordable housing, waitlists will continue to grow – placing increasing pressure on families, frontline services and the social fabric of Ipswich.
