The Crisafulli Government says it is delivering a fresh start for Queenslanders in need, with 595 social and affordable homes now in the pipeline across the Gold Coast alone.
The homes, which are either under construction or under contract, form part of a record $5.6 billion investment over four years in social and community housing across Queensland.
The program is designed to deliver 53,500 social and community homes by 2044, alongside reforms to reduce building industry red tape and strengthen the state’s housing supply.
A key element of the plan is the fast-tracking of 36 new community homes in Southport through the Ministerial Infrastructure Designation pathway, built in partnership with Community Housing (QLD) Limited.
The Southport development will cater to older Queenslanders, with Carly Bairstow, State Manager of CHL, saying it will help residents live more independently.
“The Southport project will give older Queenslanders the chance to live in a right-sized home, that is modern and accessible and enables independence and connection to their community,” Ms Bairstow said.
“The need for social and affordable homes on the Gold Coast has never been greater. CHL is proud to partner with Queensland Government on projects like this one, where our provision of safe, secure homes to seniors will help free-up other larger properties for families who need them most.”
Minister for Housing Sam O’Connor said the government was making up for years of underinvestment.
“We are delivering more social and community homes in every corner of Queensland,” Mr O’Connor said.
“Under Labor, an average of just 509 social homes were delivered per year – barely a third of the rate Queensland’s population grew over the same period. We’re ramping up construction to deliver 2,000 social and community homes each year by the end of this term.”
He said fast-tracked projects like the Southport homes were vital to easing pressure on those waiting for support.
“Fast-tracked projects like these 36 new homes in Southport are vital to meeting the need for social and community housing for Gold Coasters waiting for a place to call home,” Mr O’Connor said.
“While we have locked-in a record pipeline for social and community housing and are delivering more homes sooner with the Residential Activation Fund, there is much more to be done to deliver a place to call home for more Queenslanders, and we remain committed to delivering the fresh start we promised.”
According to the government, almost 6,000 social and affordable homes are now under construction or under contract across Queensland.
Local delivery includes 158 social and affordable homes in Southport, 12 in Coomera, 29 in Helensvale and 53 in Nerang.
Officials say the new supply marks a decisive shift after what they call “10 years of decline under Labor,” during which “just 509 social homes on average per year” were built.
The target is to reach 2,000 new social and community homes annually by the end of the current term, helping match housing delivery with Queensland’s population growth.
