The RTA Education team has recently visited Cairns, Cooktown, Atherton, Hervey Bay and Bundaberg.

They held 6 information sessions across October and November for property managers/owners and tenants about the recent rental law changes and other tenancy topics. The team also met with representatives from local councils, tenant organisations, support services, community housing providers and real estate agents to discuss renting in Queensland.

Lynn Smith, Senior Advisor, Education and Engagement, said that combining the RTA’s education events with catch-ups with local organisations and groups had been beneficial.

‘We can reach a larger audience with our information sessions and they’re a great opportunity to talk broadly about Queensland’s tenancy laws. Our smaller meetings complement the sessions by giving us a chance to dive deeper and talk about the renting topics that matter to specific groups and organisations in these regions,’ Lynn said.

‘The stories and questions we get from these stakeholders give us insight into the different experiences of renting communities across the state. We can also share tailored information about the legislation that helps them better support their staff, customers and communities. It’s a win-win.’

A summary of some of the local organisations and groups the RTA met with in regional Queensland in October and November is included below.

These regional meetings and information sessions are just one of the ways the RTA delivers information and education. They are key to demonstrating our engagement principles of being purposeful, proactive, collaborative and accessible. This is consistent with our Stakeholder Engagement Framework 2024–26.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander renting community

In Cooktown, we met with the Gungarde Community Centre Aboriginal Corporation, the Cook Shire Council and Cooktown Real Estate. Cooktown has a significant First Nations community, with 22% of the population identifying as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander in the 2021 census (Australian Bureau of Statistics).

In our meetings with these groups, as well as answering questions about topics such as maintenance, rent, agreements and resolving disputes, we also shared information about Songlines, our dedicated phone line for First Nations customers.

We also met with the Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) to discuss rental laws and processes. Afterwards, the RTA was invited to be part of a TSIRC training session for their senior housing officers. As well as sharing tenancy information, education resources and case studies with the attendees, our Education team also learnt more about Torres Strait Islander culture and some of the housing considerations for this community.

Community housing and vulnerable tenants

The Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (the Act) applies to community housing tenancies, but exemptions and additional rights apply. The RTA took the opportunity to meet with community housing providers in Bundaberg, Hervey Bay and Cairns.

We discussed some of the differences between how the Act applies to community housing tenancies versus standard tenancies. We answered questions about processes and notice periods, neighbour disputes, property inspections, and rooming accommodation.

In Cairns, we met with staff from the Cairns Regional Domestic Violence Service. This was a great opportunity to talk about the options and resources available to help tenants experiencing domestic violence in a rental property.

We also had an impromptu meeting with a yourtown representative in Bundaberg. We talked about their youth programs, the challenges young people face in understanding rental laws and processes, and how to find a rental property. We look forward to engaging further to see how the RTA can help the people they support.

Tenant organisations

In Hervey Bay and Cairns, we met with tenant organisations including Tenants Queensland/QSTARS representatives and the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre. We talked about some of the questions they had from local tenants, including minimum housing standards, natural disasters, domestic and family violence and the rental application process.

Caravan parks

RTA bond data shows that 0.7% of Queensland tenancies are for a moveable dwelling or site. While they may be a smaller component of the rental sector, these tenancies are covered by the Act with specific provisions that apply to them.

The RTA met with the manager of 2 caravan parks in Bundaberg – Bundaberg Park Village and Midtown Caravan Park – to discuss topics including the application process, park rules, the various accommodation types and managing abandoned goods.

Future events and meetings

The RTA is currently planning information sessions and local stakeholder meetings across Queensland for 2026. We will also be launching continuing professional development (CPD) sessions for agents in early 2026. Check our events page for updates on where we’re heading next or subscribe to RTA News.

We look forward to seeing you in the new year.