BOTH the Queensland and ACT governments are delivering more much needed social and affordable housing to boost supply.
As part of the Queensland government’s $3.9 billion investment into social and affordable housing, the largest concentrated investment in the state’s history, two new projects have been announced for Cairns.
The first project will see 23 new social housing units in Earlville, with $8.5 million in funding provided under QuickStarts Queensland.
“Through the Earlville redevelopment we will improve the amenity of the site for residents and neighbours and increase the site’s capacity to provide better homes for members of the community most in need,” said Leeanne Enoch, minister for housing.
The units include 16 one-bedroom and seven two-bedroom residences, that will be built to a Gold or Platinum standard, through a partnership with the Access Community Housing Company (ACHC).
The new complex is set to replace the current 14 outdated dwellings at the site with the new fit-for-purpose accommodation.
The second project comprises eight one-bedroom detached houses in Parramatta Park, which have been refurbished, with $300,000 in funding under QuickStarts Queensland.
“The Grove Street cottages are among the earliest examples of civic funded affordable housing created for seniors in Cairns and through this refurbishment they are still able to play a strong role supporting those most in need,” said Michael Healy, member for Cairns.
“Refurbishment work included works to flooring and roofing in the cottages and improving some of the fixtures and finishes to bring them up to standard. Air conditioning has been installed in each of the cottages and to help preserve the precinct’s heritage value, the timber boundary fence was replaced like for like.”
The heritage listed social housing cottages were refurbished through another partnership with ACHC and will prioritise seniors, particularly older women, to move in.
“ACHC has taken possession of the refurbished cottages in Parramatta Park and is working with our local housing service centre to find eligible customers from the housing register,” added Enoch.
“Older Queenslanders, especially women aged over 55, are among the most susceptible to volatility in the private rental market.”
Meanwhile, the ACT government’s public housing renewal program has completed 21 new public housing dwelling Dickson, as part of its commitment to renewing 1,000 old unsustainable public housing properties and adding an additional 400 new public housing properties across the country’s capital.
“These 21 modern, energy efficient properties have replaced six ageing public housing properties and are ready to welcome new tenants and families most in need of housing support,” said Yvette Berry, minister for housing and suburban development.
The new homes include a diverse mix of configurations, including two-bedroom townhouses and four-bedroom units and meet a minimum 7-star energy efficiency rating, with all the new units and townhouses built to either Gold Class or Class C Adaptable standards.
“Renewal of older public housing is critical to ensure we can provide appropriate housing for more people in need. The six public housing properties these new homes replace were built in the 1960s,” added Berry.
The homes are also located within close range of schools, shops and medical services, as well as to public transport.
The ACT government has so far deliver nearly 400 homes under the program, with more than 700 underway.
