The Mackay region has received a boost in social housing with the official opening of a new 10-unit complex by the Minister for Communities and Housing Leeanne Enoch.
The $3.5 million apartment building in North Mackay is made up of 10 one-bedroom units built over three, two-storey buildings.
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the complex delivers on the Palaszczuk Government’s on-going commitment to build more social and affordable housing in the Mackay region while supporting vulnerable people into safe and secure homes.
“Since the launch of the Queensland Housing Strategy 2017-2027 24 new social homes have already been commenced in the Mackay-Whitsunday region.
“Over the next four years we will see a further 98 new social housing homes commenced in the region through a planned investment of $36 million, supporting 112 full-time equivalent jobs,” Ms Gilbert said.
Leeanne Enoch said through the new Queensland Housing and Homelessness Action Plan 2021-2025, we are investing $2.9 billion including the establishment of a $1 billion Housing Investment Fund to drive increased social and affordable housing development across the state.,
“This is the largest concentrated investment in social housing in Queensland’s history.”
Minister Enoch said the Palaszczuk Governments investment will see supply of social and affordable housing in Queensland increase by almost 10,000 homes over the life of our Housing Strategy.
“This includes the commencement of 7,400 new social and affordable homes across the state over the next four years,” she said.
“This investment means we can house more vulnerable Queenslanders sooner.”
The units are designed to meet Liveable Housing Design Guidelines and include both Gold and Platinum Level features making them suitable for people who mobilise in wheelchairs and are located within walking distance of shops and local services.
For 53 year-old tenant Richard, moving in to his one-bedroom unit meant an end to 12-months of couch-surfing in Mackay.
“I lost both my job and my accommodation when COVID-19 came, and I was almost homeless.
“I feel really lucky to be here,” said Richard.
“My unit is nice and tidy and its starting to feel like home. I really like the place and very grateful to the people who helped get me here,” he said.
The complex has been officially named Mary Ann Sam Place.
“Mary Ann Sam was a deeply loved and respected member of North Mackay community and worked tirelessly as a volunteer helping others,” Ms Enoch said.
“In 2018, Ms Mary Ann Sam was recognised as one of the top 10 pioneering women who helped shape the Mackay community into what it is today.”
