Guy Barnett,Minister for State Development, Construction and Housing
The Tasmanian Government is continuing to invest in increased accommodation facilities for our young people, helping them reach independence and lead productive lives.
The Affordable Housing Action Plan 2019-2023 outlines the Tasmanian Government’s commitment to delivering more supported youth accommodation facilities that include integrated education and employment options, and develop young people’s independent living skills.
An $8.9 million expansion of the Thyne House Youth2Independence facility in Launceston is adding an extra 20 residential units – boosting the site to 50 units – with additional car parking and commercial floor space designed for a social enterprise.
Today I inspected progress on the site being undertaken by Tasmanian builder Vos Construction & Joinery Pty Ltd. The project has been architecturally designed to retain all the heritage-listed components of the historic buildings to protect this important piece of Launceston’s history and is expected to be complete in December 2022.
The facility currently offers 30 residential units. In addition to providing extra units, the upgrade will also deliver a more functional reception area, living areas, laundries, storage areas and an additional overnight staff unit.
The new self-contained one-bedroom units will provide more accommodation for young people in Northern Tasmania who are experiencing, or are at risk of experiencing homelessness.
The facility is managed by Anglicare Tasmania, which takes a holistic approach to meeting the needs of young people and focuses on empowering them, so they can build better lives for themselves, and achieve genuine independence.
Thyne House is one of three Y2I facilities already successfully providing services to young Tasmanians, along with Trinity Hill in Hobart, and Eveline House in Devonport.
Tenders have recently closed for construction of a new Y2I facility in Burnie, which will provide 25 independent single-bedroom units, staff accommodation, and communal and associated facilities.
Meanwhile, work has commenced on a second Y2I facility in Hobart. The $17 million project will provide 26 units and a range of amenities next to the TasTAFE campus in Campbell St.
The new Hobart and Burnie facilities are expected to be completed in mid-2023.
The Tasmanian Government recognises the housing challenges facing Tasmanians and is responding with a massive 10-year, $1.5 billion housing package – the largest housing investment in the State’s history – to build on our existing reforms and take further action to provide even more affordable accommodation. The 2022-23 Budget includes $2.9 million specifically towards the Youth Housing Initiatives.
This is an unprecedented level of funding, which will deliver 10,000 new affordable homes and over the next decade to meet the diverse housing needs of Tasmanians, including youth, the elderly, those living with a disability, men, women and families.
While we deliver on this plan, we also know there are Tasmanians who are doing it tough and need support right now. We are spending over $36 million on wrap around services to ensure those who need help now are getting the services they need. Including funding on 17 existing Specialist Homelessness Services including Housing Connect Front Door and Support as well as crisis shelters and supported accommodation. In addition, our Budget includes $23.7 million specifically for our Safe Spaces and connected support services.
If you require housing support or are at risk of homelessness, Housing Connect is best placed to provide assistance appropriate to each individual’s circumstances and advise on what assistance could be available for them in their situation. Housing Connect can be contacted on 1800 800 588.
