More housing options for Hammond Island

A future subdivision on Hammond Island in the Torres Strait is set to deliver both essential social housing and economic opportunities for the local community.

Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Curtis Pitt said the Hammond Island residential subdivision would go a long way in delivering more housing options and address issues of overcrowding in the isolated communities of the Torres Strait.

“With construction being led by the Torres Strait Island Regional Council, this subdivision will deliver much-needed social housing for the local community,” said Mr Pitt.

“This project includes a 10-lot residential subdivision and is focused on improving life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.

“It will not only supply more housing options but also provide an economic boost and increased employment opportunities through future construction works.

Minister for Public Works and Housing Mick de Brenni said the Queensland Government had worked extensively to negotiate land availability and consider options to increase social housing on Hammond Island.

“I want to commend the representatives and community members of Kaurareg and the Torres Strait Island Regional Council in reaching agreement and leading the civil works on the subdivision,” Mr de Brenni said.

“Currently, the Queensland Government is working with the Torres Strait Island Regional Council to develop a further 69 lots for social housing across the 15 outer islands of the Torres Strait.

“This program and the results achieved on Hammond Island demonstrate that we can create sustainable, locally responsive housing options for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – no matter where they live in Queensland.”

The Hammond Island subdivision was scheduled to commence in early 2016 and would be completed by June 2016.

The subdivision is being delivered by the Palaszczuk Government through National Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous Housing funding.

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