New development to help those in need

Published Thursday, 15 May, 2014 at 10:00 AM

Minister for Housing and Public Works
The Honourable Tim Mander

Up to twelve individuals and families who have fallen on hard times on Brisbane’s south side now have a brighter future, thanks to a new housing development in Holland Park.

Housing Minister Tim Mander said the new housing built on the strong plan the Newman Government has to deliver housing to help those in need.

“This investment is aimed squarely at vulnerable Queenslanders in need of a helping hand to get their lives back on track,” Mr Mander said.

“Unfortunately people fall on hard times and need a place to stay. This may be due to something as simple as a family disagreement or as a result of more serious issues like domestic violence.

“Every Queenslander deserves a safe and secure place to live. The completion of this project is a key commitment of the Government’s Homelessness to Housing Strategy 2020.

“The LNP Government promised at the election to boost frontline services for families and over the past two years we have managed to bring the social housing waiting list down by 36%, from more than 30,000 households in 2012, to fewer than 20,000 at the end of March 2014.

“Developments like this one have a big role to play in tackling homelessness and making a real and lasting difference in people’s lives.

“As part of our partnership with the Australian Government, we will be delivering a total of 61 dwellings in six developments like this one, across the state to provide accommodation for vulnerable Queenslanders.”

Mr Mander said providing the tools for independence is a key aspect of the Queensland Government’s commitment to building a flexible, efficient and supportive housing system.

“The Homelessness-to-Housing Strategy 2020 was launched in June last year and included a number of facilities in Townsville, Cairns and Redcliffe for those who have fallen on difficult times,” he said.

“These projects then integrate with our Housing 2020 Strategy, which is aimed at providing a more long-term housing solution and is a pathway to independent housing, such as private rentals.”

Further information regarding the Homelessness-to-Housing Strategy 2020 is available at www.hpw.qld.gov.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/HomelessnesstoHousingStrategy2020.pdf

[ENDS] 14 May 2014

Media Contact: Janette Andrews 0414 248 982