New Social Housing Construction for Townsville

Townsville people needing an affordable place to live will be supported through the construction of 34 new social housing properties over the next year with construction valued at more than $8.3 million.

Visiting a local social housing project today, Housing Minister Leeanne Enoch said the program of works had a two-fold effect – providing affordable homes to those in need in the community, while creating jobs for the region’s building industry.

“These six one bedroom and four two bedroom apartments here at Railway Avenue are being built by Taylor Builders, very much a local company,” Ms Enoch said.

“This project is an example of the Government creating work and stimulating the Townsville economy. I’ve been told that the builder has had 55 people working onsite to deliver this local project.

“Our office here in Townsville says 80 to 90 per cent of our construction work is awarded to builders and contractors from the wider North Queensland region.

“These apartments are an example of some of the modern social housing units currently under construction that align more closely with our clients’ needs.

“Our Government wants the provision of housing to be a human service rather than simply a financial transaction.

“We believe having a roof over one’s head is one of the most important contributors to a person’s wellbeing and we want to strive to help all people have access to a home.

“So with 1,155 applications on the waiting list for social housing in Townsville at the end of February, it is very important that we deliver new housing.”

The social housing construction program over the next twelve months includes:

1.         Railway Estate - 6 x 1br and 4 x 2br apartments valued at more than $2M – to be completed at the end of April.

2.         Railway Estate - 8 x 1br apartments valued at almost $2M.

3.         Hermit Park - 4 x 2br apartments valued at more than $1M.

4.         Aitkenvale - 10 x 1br apartments valued at $2.5M.

5.         Aitkenvale - 2 x 2br dual occupancy units valued at more than half a million.

“I would also like to acknowledge the good work of staff at Housing and Public Works who ensure these projects are delivered successfully in the region,” Minister Enoch said.

“A recent report by the Australian Productivity Commission on government services showed our public housing properties are in the best condition and have the second lowest maintenance costs nationally. This reflects the hard work and dedication of our staff.”

Media contact: Tim Shipstone – 3719 7281