A new social housing project in Beenleigh will be given a culturally significant name reflecting the beauty of local birdlife.
Member for Macalister Melissa McMahon said the 18-unit apartment complex would be called Bilin Place – bilin being a Yugambeh word describing colourful native parrots.
“The bilin is totemic for the Gugingin people in the greater Beenleigh area,” said Mrs McMahon.
“The name was suggested by local Elder and educator Aunty Robyn Williams to recognise the significance of the bird to the region.”
Mrs McMahon said the $6.2 million project had supported the jobs of about 180 local contractors and trade apprentices since construction started in June 2017.
“Six units in this development have been built to Platinum design standards so they are fully accessible to assist people with mobility impairment,” she said.
“These Platinum features include step-free entrances, wider doorways and halls as well as handrails, making them particularly suitable for people who mobilise in wheelchairs.
“The rest of the apartments are built to the Gold standard, which means they can easily be adapted to the higher level as the needs of tenants change over their lifetimes.”
Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said Bilin Place was the latest affordable social housing complex delivered under the Better Neighbourhoods Logan program.
“Better Neighbourhoods Logan was our commitment to rapidly increase the number of social and affordable homes in Logan, specifically designed to exceed the growth planned under the Newman Government’s public housing asset giveaway,” Mr de Brenni said.
“And we are not only delivering, but exceeding our own targets.
“Delivery of this unit development proves that public ownership of critical assets like social housing makes sense. Today the decision to dump the LNP asset giveaway has once again been vindicated.
“Here in Logan and in the Redlands, we will invest $150 million to build 492 new social homes by 2022, and over 3,300 in Logan alone in the next 20 years.
“A big factor in our delivery methods using local tradies on these jobs. Roll out in Logan is creating 85 industry jobs each year and supporting many more through the construction supply chain.
“The property industry often quotes the economic multiplier effect of housing construction is 3:1, so that’s a significant investment in the local community and local jobs.”
Mr de Brenni said the Palaszczuk Government’s Queensland Housing Strategy is totally transforming the way housing services are delivered.
“As well as more affordable housing, we are also providing pathways to home ownership and we are reviewing rental laws to ensure they are fair for everyone,” he said.
“Queensland is today leading the nation in delivering safe, secure and sustainable housing, and we are committed to continuing to build on the good work we’ve done so far.”
