Gold Coast Youth Foyer supports aspirations for a brighter future

Published Tuesday, 30 October, 2018 at 05:31 AM

Minister for Housing and Public Works, Minister for Digital Technology and Minister for Sport
The Honourable Mick de Brenni

Young Gold Coast people will be offered safe and secure housing in a new complex to be built by the Palaszczuk Government in Southport, Housing Minister Mick de Brenni announced today.

Mr de Brenni said the Gold Coast Youth Foyer – based on an internationally recognised model – would provide support for up to 40 vulnerable people, aged between 16-25.

“This is no hand-out,” Mr de Brenni said. “This is about providing a safe and secure environment for young people who are unable to live at home with their families.

“It’s about helping put them on a positive path by becoming confident, strong and self-supporting. They also learn about the rights and responsibilities of being a tenant before moving into more independent housing options.”

The Foyer – to be located on property purchased in 2017 for $2.65 million on the corner of North and High Streets, Southport – is being designed in consultation with local youth support service providers, Gold Coast City Council officers and young people in need of housing support.

It will feature single-occupancy, self-contained studio units and be staffed by professional youth support workers, with tenants paying 25 per cent of their income in rent.

On-site specialist support will be offered through the Gold Coast Youth Service.

Gold Coast Youth Service manager Lesley Healy said: “We are pleased to be involved in the Youth Foyer because it will enhance housing options for young people on the Gold Coast who are undertaking training, higher education or employment opportunities and require supported housing.”

Mr de Brenni said more than 33,000 young clients - almost 4000 on the Gold Coast - had been assisted across all Specialist Homelessness Services in Queensland between 2013-2017.

“Improving the pathways from homelessness to safe, secure and sustainable housing is a key element of our $1.8 billion Queensland Housing Strategy 2017-2027 announced in June 2017,” said Mr de Brenni.

“The strategy is a long-term plan to embrace innovation and a commitment to make meaningful changes that lead to better long-term housing outcomes for Queenslanders.”

Construction on the new Gold Coast Youth Foyer and a new Youth Foyer at Townsville is expected to start early next year and be operational by the end of 2019. The successful Logan Youth Foyer is also currently undergoing a major renovation, expanding from 22 to 40 units with work due to be completed by June 2019.

For further information on the Queensland Housing Strategy, visit: http://www.hpw.qld.gov.au/housingstrategy/About/Pages/default.aspx

ENDS

MEDIA 0412 393 909