Controversial headlines have been sweeping media recently about the influence mining companies are having on Queensland’s housing industry.

In an effort to combat the rising casualties of the mining boom in Western Downs, where some residents are living under bridges, Mayor Ray Brown wants to earmark half the royalties received from the liquefied natural gas industry to support education programs and affordable living projects. Of the 23 cities and 99 small communities Brown’s jurisdiction encompasses, only one town has rental homes available due to the 81 energy projects that are currently in operation.

“Rents are going through the roof, people are being displaced from caravan parks and people are being evicted from their homes because rents have gone up 40 per cent,” Brown told News.com.au in late November. “We need affordable housing now." Premier Anna Bligh supports devoting the funds to education through the recently announced Mines for Minds program, which is expected to generate $1.8 billion during the next decade. This number will increase significantly if Prime Minister Julia Gillard is able to obtain approval from the lower house on a proposed 30 per cent tax hike on the booming mining industry.

However, Australia’s mining union, CFMEU Queensland secretary Jim Valery believes the focus needs to shift to “tackle the crippling rents, troubling fly-in, fly-out working practices, population imbalances and community unrest spreading across the state,”.

As state politicians debate the best way to cope with growth, portable building companies already offer affordable housing options that are ready to be delivered and installed now. Panelfab provides an extensive array of transportable homes, from cabins to granny flats to multi-room bunkhouses.

The transportable homes are available ex-factory complete and ready for transportation or can be custom-designed to fit the customer’s unique needs. In addition to using the highest quality construction materials to ensure seasonal comfort and safety, each unit is equipped with amenities such as stainless steel appliances, overhead kitchen cupboards and wall-to-wall carpeting. Whether customers are looking for a residential or commercial dwelling, Panelfab provides an immediate solution to the affordable housing crisis sweeping Queensland.