Temporary Housing established to support Western Downs fire victims

Published on 08 November 2023

Temporary housing is being established in Tara to support fire-affected residents thanks to swift action and cooperation by Western Downs Regional Council, the Queensland Government, and the Australian Government.

All levels of Government are working together to immediately establish temporary accommodation for displaced residents at the showgrounds facility at Tara and short to medium term accommodation at the former caravan park site at Milne Street.  

Over the weekend 23 caravans arrived at the Tara Showgrounds and some displaced residents are already being accommodated in the vans.  It is expected the former caravan site will be established and operational within eight weeks.

Mayor Paul McVeigh said finding immediate housing solutions for displaced residents was vital.

"Our priority is making sure those residents who do not have a home to return to, are accommodated in their local community, until such time as they're able to rebuild and return to their properties," Mayor Paul McVeigh said.

"Our evacuation centres have offered a safe place for people to reside through the worst of this fire emergency, and now it's time to look beyond the immediate emergency and deliver a short to mid-term solution.  

"These families have been through absolute hell, so creating a safe roof over their head that's close to their support networks in Tara is crucial in their journey towards recovery.”

Mayor McVeigh said civil works crews were already on the ground in Tara establishing the site to include water, sewerage, electricity, and other essential services.

"Demountable accommodation will be established at the Milne Street site in coming weeks, after such time as civil contractors have completed utilities works," he said.

"The Department of Housing is actively working with affected residents to manage their individual circumstances, and Council will work alongside the relevant support agencies to ensure a smooth transition when the time comes.

"There's a long road ahead of us, and I'd like to thank the community for banding together and supporting one another during this challenging time in our region's history."

For bushfire emergency warnings and updates visit Dashboard (wdrc.qld.gov.au)

For recovery information visit After a Disaster Western Downs Regional Council (wdrc.qld.gov.au)

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