Construction has been completed on 38 new social housing homes in Lutwyche, marking the 4000th home constructed by the Palaszczuk Government since 2015.
Minister for Communities and Housing Leeanne Enoch today visited the new units in Lutwyche to mark the milestone, highlighting how the Palaszczuk Government has now delivered social housing for more than 4000 households since coming to office.
“In seven years, we have constructed more than 4000 social homes, delivering safe, secure housing for more than 4000 Queensland households,” Ms Enoch said.
“This is a fantastic milestone for our state, but there is more work for us to do.
“Through our record investment of $2.9 billion over four years, we will commence an additional 7400 new social and affordable homes over four years.”
The 38 new social housing units at Lutwyche have been delivered through a partnership between the Palaszczuk Government, BlueCHP Limited and the Federal Government’s National Housing Finance Investment Corporation (NHFIC).
Ms Enoch said the new homes would soon welcome tenants and more homes are under construction.
“We will see 80 new social housing homes built by BlueCHP in Lutwyche and Windsor through our Queensland Housing Strategy 2017-2027,” she said.
“We are creating new opportunities for registered housing providers to increase supply through the removal of long-standing barriers and by promoting new financing arrangements.
“We have also recently approved two additional projects for BlueCHP to deliver another 88 homes in Cleveland and Birtinya.”
Ms Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government was investing about $37 million for the 10 one-bedroom and 28 two-bedroom homes in Lutwyche plus 42 two-bedroom homes in Windsor.
“These are the first two projects for BlueCHP in Queensland, although they have a considerable social and affordable housing portfolio in New South Wales.
“More than 50 per cent of the new homes will be built to Gold or Platinum standard under the Livable Housing Design Guidelines, meaning they are accessible for people with reduced mobility and assist people to age in place.
“Additional funding will come from NHFIC through a construction loan,” she said.
Federal Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness Julie Collins said this was a good example of the kind of collaboration that will be achieved through the Albanese Government’s new investments in social and affordable housing.
“The Albanese Government has an ambitious housing agenda, which will mean more Australians have a safe place to call home,” Minister Collins said.
“We have recently announced widening the remit of the National Housing Infrastructure Facility, making up to $575 million available to invest in social and affordable housing sooner.
“This will support our commitment to build 30,000 new social and affordable housing properties, through the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund.”
Senator for Queensland and Assistant Minister for Education and Assistant Minister for Regional Development Anthony Chisholm said this project will make such a significant difference to the lives of those who will be able to live in these homes.
“The Albanese Government plans to deliver for all Australians and wants to ensure that no one is held back, and no one is left behind.”
“Projects like this show what can be done when both the Australian and Queensland Governments work together,” Assistant Minister Chisholm said.
BlueCHP CEO Charles Northcote said he was excited to work with the Queensland Government.
“Housing is a crucial support. It is the gateway to achieving individual dignity and at the core of an individual’s capacity to sustain themselves and their families.”
BlueCHP Executive Manager – Queensland and Northern Territory Darren Mew said these projects make an important contribution to the availability of social homes in Brisbane’s inner north.
“Strategically located close to major transport routes, employment, education and health services, these architecturally designed projects provide much needed homes for people in need,” he said.
“The two projects are the culmination of work from a dedicated team across Government and the not-for-profit sector who share BlueCHP’s mission to make a difference to people’s lives – to create a future where every Australian has access to a home they can afford.”
Ms Enoch said the projects highlight the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to partner with the sector to increase housing for Queenslanders in need.
“Community housing providers have an important role to play in delivering social and affordable homes at reduced rent rates for low to moderate income earners,” she said.
“We are delivering individualised housing options, increasing the supply of social and affordable housing and providing the sector with a streamlined operating framework.
“The Palaszczuk Government’s continued investment in affordable housing construction provides people with a stable place to live as well as an income for thousands of workers.”
Ms Enoch said, through the Queensland Housing and Homelessness Action Plan 2021-2025, the Palaszczuk Government is investing $2.9 billion to boost housing supply and increase housing and homelessness supports across Queensland.
“This investment will see 466 new social homes commenced in the Brisbane region by 30 June 2025, through a planned investment of $125.2 million, supporting more than 397 full-time equivalent jobs.
“This is addition to the 604 new social homes that are already commenced under the Queensland Housing Strategy.”
