The cyclone-ravaged Queensland town of Innisfail is facing a severe shortage of rental accommodation as residents look to move from their damaged homes.
Local real estate agents confirm that the lack of houses is forcing local people to move away to Cairns.
It is a matter the Cyclone Recovery Task Force chief, General Peter Cosgrove, is already grappling with.
"People may have to temporarily relocate, but not very far away - we might be talking Cairns.
"I'd rather see them in decent housing which is protective of their other needs than trying to struggle on in a place which is still prone to dripping all over them and mouldy walls, et cetera."