The first sod has been turned on a $2.97 million social housing project on the Gold Coast as Queensland recognises Homelessness Week (August 4 – 10).
Housing and Public Works Minister Mick de Brenni said the project will support up to 260 construction jobs and provide homes for Queenslanders in need.
“The Palaszczuk Government is making sure that all Queenslanders can have a safe, secure place to call home,” Mr de Brenni said.
“We have committed $110 million to build 392 new social homes on the Gold Coast in the five years to 2022.
“The theme of 2019 Homelessness Week is ‘Housing ends Homelessness’ and we are certainly heeding that call on the Gold Coast.
“In this region alone, contracts have been awarded for the commencement of 162 new homes through our Housing Construction Jobs program since June 2017.”
Mr de Brenni said the complex of three one-bedroom and four two-bedroom units would be one of 20 public housing demonstration projects.
“This is part of a collaborative partnership between the Housing Partnerships Office, Building Asset Services and the Office of the Queensland Government Architect.
“It demonstrates contemporary design standards which will help inform the new design guidelines for future social housing.”
Nano Constructions Builders is set to deliver the project by April 2020.
“We also have an additional 18 two-bedroom apartments under construction in Southport,” Mr de Brenni said.
“This $7.58 million project is being built by Hutchinson Builders and will support about 100 building industry jobs during construction.
“It will include accessible design elements, including being serviced by lifts, making the homes suitable for people with impaired mobility.
“Project Bank Accounts will be used on both of these project to ensure subcontractors are paid in full, on time for the work they do.”
Mr de Brenni said the projects align with the Advancing Queensland Priority of creating jobs in a strong economy.
“The wider community really benefits from the buzz of housing construction – it supports and creates building industry jobs and provides a boost for the local economy,” he said.
“Following the introduction of the Queensland Housing Strategy in June 2017, our efforts to provide safe, secure and sustainable homes through building more social housing have supported more than 1544 industry jobs for Queenslanders and generated a broader economic impact, supporting more than 7500 contract and trades opportunities.”
