The Queensland Government is considering whether to step back from the Livable Housing Design Standards (LHDS) — a reform that ensures all new homes are safe, accessible, and future-ready.
Without LHDS, too many Queenslanders will face:
- Homes that don’t meet basic needs as we age
- Expensive retrofits or premature entry into aged care
- Lost independence and connection to community
For less than 1% added to construction costs, LHDS saves tens of thousands of dollars in future health, care, and housing expenses. It’s a reform that benefits us all.
Review our submission to the Queensland Productivity Commission Interim Report here
You can also read the joint statement of support here from 52 organisations representing people with disability, older Queenslanders, carers, and the housing, health and community sectors who support Queensland’s continued implementation of the (LHDS) under the National Construction Code.
Please email or write to your local MP today and tell them you support the Livable Housing Design Standards.
You are welcome to use our letter template below.
Together we can continue to build an age-friendly Queensland!
Template Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Suburb, State, Postcode]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[MP’s Name]
Member for [Electorate Name]
[MP’s Office Address]
Dear [MP’s Name],
Support the Livable Housing Design Standard for Queensland
I am writing as a local constituent who believes that all Queenslanders have the right to live with independence, dignity, and security as they age. I strongly urge your continued support for the Livable Housing Design Standard (LHDS).
The LHDS is a low-cost way to ensure that new homes are safer and more accessible for everyone. At just over 1% of additional build cost, it means that housing can meet people’s needs across their lifetime which becomes even more important as people get older, are recuperating from an injury or health condition, or have caring responsibilities.
By enabling more people to age in place, the LHDS reduces avoidable hospital admissions, delays entry into aged care, and lightens the load on family carers. These are clear savings to the health and aged care systems, and help individuals remain connected to community, family and familiar surroundings for longer.
Design features such as step-free entryways, wider internal doors, and accessible bathrooms are already widely understood and embedded in Queensland’s building practices. No new building technologies are required, and clear exemptions exist for high-set homes, complex sites, and specific dwelling types.
Importantly, the LHDS, through enabling people to stay in their homes, supports older people and carers to remain active in the workforce, helping to address labour shortages and increase productivity.
I urge you to uphold the Livable Housing Design Standard so that future older Queenslanders can remain in their homes and live with the dignity, safety, and support they deserve.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Full Name]