Homes for Queenslanders: Investment Fund to build homes for families, women escaping DFV

• Miles Government’s Housing Investment Fund supporting development of 14 Homes for Queenslanders on the Sunshine Coast
• Homes will support women and children escaping domestic and family violence
• Part of Miles Government’s Homes for Queenslanders plan to boost social housing Big Build and deliver 53,500 more social homes

The Miles Government will build another 14 homes through its Housing Investment Fund for women and children escaping domestic and family violence.

This includes nine homes in partnership with community housing provider, Coast2Bay, and five homes in partnership with local charity, Lily House.

Coast2Bay and Lily House will partner with local support services including the Queensland Police Service, the Salvation Army and DV Connect to house families with no safe place to go.

High quality architectural homes will be delivered that blend into the surrounds, providing anonymity and security for tenants.

Construction is forecast to begin later this year.

It comes as the Government recently launched its Homes for Queenslanders plan, which includes bolstering its social housing Big Build to deliver 53,500 more social homes by 2046.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Public Works Meaghan Scanlon:

“Safety for women and families escaping domestic violence includes having a place to call home.

“These houses are more than just four walls and a roof, they’re an opportunity women and children to get access to the support they need, education and economic opportunity.

“These developments on the Sunshine Coast - alongside the homes we've been able to purchase coming off the National Rental Affordability Scheme - supported through the Housing Investment Fund proves that we’re serious and delivering Homes for Queenslanders.

“Through the latest round of our Housing Investment Fund, we’ve seen projects proposed across Queensland from the Torres Strait to the Outback and south-east, with 60 percent located outside of the Brisbane region.

“These projects are on top of the hundreds of homes under construction and families in homes right now made possible by the support of the Housing Investment Fund.”

Quotes attributable to Coast2Bay CEO Andrew Elvin:

“We are pleased to partner with the Queensland Government on this initiative and progress these developments on the Sunshine Coast and provide long-term social housing solutions.

“The partnership with the Housing Investment Fund is enabling Coast2Bay Housing Group to help provide a fast-tracked route to long-term housing solutions.

“A safe, affordable and secure home is a fundamental human right – we all need to continue to work together to address the urgent need for housing.”

Quotes attributable to Lily House Business Manager Jo Higgins

“Lily House is very grateful to the Queensland Government for their financial and professional support in this project,” she said.

“The five homes which the Housing Investment Fund will support, will allow Lily House to provide a safe and secure home for women and children fleeing domestically violent situations.

“So, Lily House truly appreciates the government’s support, which in turn enables our organisation to support some of our most vulnerable families.”

Further information:

Anyone who needs housing assistance can contact the Maroochydore Housing Service Centre on 5352 7333 during business hours or call the 24/7 Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753.

Women and their children who are at risk or experiencing domestic and family violence can call the 24/7 DVConnect Women’s Line on 1800 811 811.

ENDS

Media contact: Francis Dela Cruz - 0420 592 078