With hundreds of thousands of interstate migrants expected to move to Queensland within the next five years, St Vincent de Paul Queensland is joining calls for a state housing summit to address the ongoing crisis.

A recent report from the Property Council of Australia estimated up to 220,000 people from Melbourne and Sydney alone could move to Queensland in the next five years, creating additional pressure on an already overly competitive market.

CEO Kevin Mercer said in some extreme cases, the Society had resorted to handing out tents as a last resort.

“All across Queensland, housing options are extremely limited,” Mr Mercer said.

“We have been heartened by our work with the State Government who are very aware of the issue and are actively working to support us to handle the increasing number of enquiries we get from Queenslanders who are facing imminent homelessness.

“But an issue this critical needs all of us working together on a solution.”

Mr Mercer said with the whole world’s eyes on Queensland for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, it was the perfect time to develop a 10-year plan to reduce the numbers of people sleeping rough throughout the state.

“We need more social and affordable housing options – we need a plan,” he said.

“We would welcome the opportunity to see our State, Federal and local leaders develop this plan with industry leaders and support organisations through a summit.

“It will be a long, difficult road ahead but anything we can do to help the homeless will be worth it.”