The report explores the role of local council in boosting housing supply and access for vulnerable people. It assesses factors that shape or limit council contributions, the replicability of novel interventions and how the State Government can better support local contributions. 

The report finds significant efforts among local councils but notes they are limited by inadequate funding and staff capacity, observing that many councils are in no position to take on roles beyond their legislated functions, no matter how important they may be. The resulting recommendations are relevant to local councils, to the Queensland Government and to not-for-profit social housing and homelessness support providers.

The report identifies three key contributions being made by leading local councils:

• supporting rough sleepers,
• integrating social housing into new developments, and
• partnering in the direct delivery of social housing, particularly involving council-owned land.

Key findings

• Councils were more willing to engage in activities that contributed to housing and homelessness objectives when those activities aligned with the council's core business goals. 
• Councils have effectively leveraged existing resources and collaborated with external organisations to overcome internal resource and capacity limitations.

Key recommendations

• Formalise local laws exempting people experiencing homelessness and connected to social services from 'move along' orders.
• State government should fund councils to build capacity connecting people experiencing rough sleeping with the required support services.
• Position audits of council lands within the council’s corporate plan or strategic plan.
• Encourage more direct means of integrating social housing into precinct planning by embedding flexibility in planning controls.
• Ensure a wider use of mandated contributions towards the funding of social housing.