Homes for Queenslanders: Finishing touches on new homes for Cape York communities

• Another four social homes delivered as part of Miles Government’s Homes for Queenslanders plan
• The two homes in Kowanyama and two in Umagico delivered through infrastructure partnership with government and councils
• Government is ramping up delivery of public and community housing over coming years to more than 2,000 homes on average per year

Two new homes in Kowanyama and another two in Umagico will soon welcome tenants as the Miles Government builds more Homes for Queenslanders.

Through its Homes for Queenslanders plan, the Miles Government is partnering with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander councils to build even more homes in remote and discrete communities.

Kowanyama homes

The duplex units have both been built to Platinum standard of the Liveable Housing Design guidelines, meaning they are fully accessible and can be homes for people who mobilise in a wheelchair.

The partnership between the government and  Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council will deliver five new homes and 19 new land lots as part of a new subdivision to help increase access to social housing in Kowanyama.

Umagico homes

The duplex units have both been built to Gold standard of the Liveable Housing Design guidelines, meaning they are accessible for people who need mobility aids and suitable for older people to age in place.

The new homes are part of a broader construction program by the Northern Peninsula Area regional Council in partnership with the Queensland Government.

The partnership with Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council will deliver five new homes to help increase access to social housing in the region.

Quotes attributable to Member for Cook Cynthia Lui:

“You can’t have opportunity without a safe place to call home. That’s why I’ve fought to make sure our government builds the homes our communities need.

“We’ve seen what happens when governments walk away from remote communities when the LNP cut funding to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander councils – and it’s something we cannot risk again.”

Quotes attributable to Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon:

“We’ve locked in funding to build more homes in the Cape because we are determined to close the gap.

“Through infrastructure partnerships with councils, we’re building more homes and investing in the infrastructure needed to unlock even more housing supply for our remote communities.

Further information:

Anyone who needs housing assistance can contact the Northern Peninsula Area Housing Hub on 4069 3544, Kowanyama Housing Hub on 4036 5555 during business hours or call the 24/7 Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753.

ENDS

Media contact: Francis Dela Cruz - 0420 592 078