Qld has highest homeless rate in Australia

ABC NEWS ARTICLE FROM EARIER THIS MONTH...

The figures show more than 26,000 people were homeless in Queensland in 2006.

Mission Australia spokesman Tony Stevenson says thousands more are homeless now.

He says rapid urban sprawl has reduced the amount of affordable housing across the state.

"Caravan parks were one source of affordable housing for many people and that is now not available," he said.

Mr Stevenson says increasing rent prices in mining towns like Mackay and Mount Isa are also forcing people out of their homes.

"There are lots of rural and regional towns that have now become absolutely unaffordable to people who have traditionally lived in those communities," he said.

The report shows the Queensland's homeless population rose by 2,000 in five years and that more than half of Australia's homeless are under 24 years of age.