Queensland's housing minister has acknowledged a tight labour market as the state aims to boost supply in an "incredibly hot" market while sticking to an ambitious public infrastructure program.
The state has committed to $8 billion in capital works in the health space, including three new hospitals as well as a complete rebuild of the Gabba and other facilities for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
An ambitious energy plan to achieve the state's 70 per cent renewable energy target by 2032 also requires construction workers.
Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said she is keen to work with the property sector to scale up construction, in line with the state's public and social housing commitments.
"Everyone accepts right now that the labour market is really tight, there's a lot of construction happening here in Queensland because of the government's investment both in health care and transport and main roads, and in delivering housing," she said on Wednesday.
"We make no apology for that, we'll work with the construction industry to make sure that they have what they need to be able to deliver what we've put money on the table for."
Ms Scanlon's comments come as the state government finalises the purchase of an inner-Brisbane hotel for use as emergency housing.
The 23-room hotel will provide shelter for small families who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and forms part of a $64 million investment in emergency accommodation.
"They'll have a 24-hour support at this particular site to help them with their immediate needs, but also for the next steps on their journey," the minister said.
In the broader market, Ms Scanlon pointed to data suggesting the rental market in the southeast is showing signs of stabilising while acknowledging ongoing challenges.
"The market is incredibly hot at the moment, vacancies are really low and many people are travelling to Queensland because of our strong economic response to COVID-19.
"We're doing everything we can to obviously help renters right now with reforms that protect their rights, but also get the balance right, and we're unlocking more supply both with the private sector as well as social and affordable housing."
