"This is developing into quite a concern among teachers and the union," Mr Thomson said.

"The rents are going up and the teachers, particularly young teachers on a low wage, or teachers who were the sole income earners for their families."

He said other teachers had to travel long distances to and from school to be able to afford their accommodation.

The Queensland Department of Education has confirmed there were teaching vacancies in schools brought about by the lack of accommodation for teachers.

"This is developing into quite a concern among teachers and the union," Mr Thomson said.

"The rents are going up and the teachers, particularly young teachers on a low wage, or teachers who were the sole income earners for their families."

He said other teachers had to travel long distances to and from school to be able to afford their accommodation.

The Queensland Department of Education has confirmed there were teaching vacancies in schools brought about by the lack of accommodation for teachers.

Queensland teachers can't afford to live in boom areas like Gladstone.

Michelle Giles, a Gladstone teacher and member of the Queensland Teachers' Union accommodation committee, said 20 couples and 17 singles were already on the teacher housing waiting list, and the figure could only grow as transfers were assigned.

Mrs Giles said teachers were refusing transfers to the city because there was little government accommodation and they couldn't afford to rent.

"There are people saying 'I can't take the job because I can't get accommodation'," Mrs Giles said.

She said one teacher had taken leave of absence for a year and was trying to find employment elsewhere.

Robina Cosser says  : this is a really dangerous situation for Queensland teachers.

A 'forced transfer' to a remote or boom area could be used to bully a teacher into resignation.

Gladstone Salvation Army Captain Jeff Bush said there were also growing drug and alcohol problems in the area as locals felt the pressure and newcomers felt isolated.