THE Queensland government is set to transform a vacant motel in Brisbane into specialist supported housing for young people at risk of homelessness.
The vacant motor inn will be refurbished into 19 semi-self-contained rooms for people between the ages of 16 and 24 years.
With each room to include its own bedroom, kitchenette, living space and a private ensuite.
While the complex will include a communal kitchen, laundry and dining area plus office spaces.
Young people living at the accommodation will also have access to 24/7 onsite supports, to help them work towards their goals.
The complex will be leased for an initial period of three years, with two one-year options.
“On top of our big housing build, we’ve been looking at ways to provide more immediate solutions like purchasing and leasing vacant retirement villages, apartment complexes and motel,” said Meaghan Scanlon, minister for housing.
The state government recently announced the lease and purchase of retirement villages in Clayfield, Rothwell, Toowoomba and the Redlands as well as the purchase of a former serviced apartment complex in Gladstone.
“The supported accommodation will give young people the stability they need so they can look towards achieving their long-term goals like employment, education and increased income.”
“The specialist onsite staff will be available 24/7 to help them to work towards these goals while also helping them to secure their path to longer term housing.”
The government is set to commence a procurement process to find an experienced specialist homelessness service provider to deliver these 24/7 onsite supports.
This comes as construction was recently completed on 10 new social housing units in Caboolture, as part of the Queensland government’s record $5 billion investment in social and affordable homes.
