Link to video news release and photos: https://tinyurl.com/ye87hykr
- Tenants begin moving into six new modular homes for Gladstone
- Part of Miles Government’s Homes for Queenslanders target of 53,500 new social homes by 2046
Gladstone’s newest social homes are set to welcome their first tenants after the factory-built modular homes were delivered to the town by truck.
The Gladstone modulars consist of six two-bedroom homes over two sites, built in Hutchinson Builders’ Toowoomba factory.
The Miles Government is building modular homes through its public building arm QBuild as well as businesses across Queensland, with more than 100 built last year.
Modular homes are just one of the tools being used as part of the Miles Government’s long-term housing plan – Homes for Queenslanders – which includes 53,500 more social homes across the state by 2046.
Recently, the government opened its second QBuild modular factory in Cairns adding to its first factory in Brisbane.
To ramp up building more homes, faster the Miles Government is also rebuilding QBuild with up to 500 qualified trades staff and apprentices expected to join its ranks in its next phase.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Local Government, Planning and Minister for Public Works Meaghan Scanlon:
“We know that to build more homes faster we need to do things differently.
“It’s why the Miles Government is partnering with Queensland builders alongside our own QBuild tradies to assemble quality homes in factories across the state.
“These homes take less time to build than conventional construction, and because they’re built inside a factory, aren’t hampered by weather delays.
“We’re rebuilding QBuild after the LNP cut 1,600 jobs from its ranks – the people who are responsible for building, maintaining and repairing homes.
Quotes attributable to Gladstone mum Tamika, who moved into one of the modulars last week with her five-year-old son Kai:
Kai has high needs, and the pair have moved repeatedly over the last year while they struggled to secure a rental.
But now Tamika believes their new home will provide the stability they’ve both been searching for.
“Kai’s extremely excited. He’s been telling everyone about it,” she said.
“When he went inside for the first time, he said ‘It’s got a bath!’ He’s just happy he get to keep his bath bombs, so it’s been good to see him smile.”
Tamika also hopes to pursue her dream of becoming a cabinet maker after she’s helped Kai settle into his new surroundings.
“I’m trying to let him know that hey, we’re not going anywhere anytime soon – just know this is your space and enjoy it.”
