Published Yesterday at 12:00 PM

Minister for Housing and Public Works and Minister for Youth
The Honourable Sam O'Connor

New homes to deliver safe, supportive housing for young mums and bubs

  • The Crisafulli Government is delivering 20 new homes with built-in wraparound supports for young mothers and their children who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. 
  • $30 million package to give vulnerable mums and bubs in Brisbane, Ipswich, Townsville and Mackay access to early intervention support.
  • The Crisafulli Government is delivering a place to call home for more Queenslanders.  

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a place to call home for young mothers and their children experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the Queensland. 

The $30 million package delivered by the Crisafulli Government will lead to 20 purpose-built homes, with on-site wraparound supports to give young families stability and a pathway to longer-term housing.  

It’s just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start for Queensland, after a decade of decline under Labor where the former Government failed to plan for Queensland’s growing population and added just 509 social homes on average per year.  

This ensures more vulnerable young families receive access to safe housing and specialist help in four key locations across Queensland, thanks to the help of the following community organisations:  

  • In Ipswich, the Lady Musgrave Trust will deliver 13 new self-contained homes with on-site wraparound supports to help young mums maintain a secure tenancy, build long-term stability and stay connected to education, training and community services.
  • In Townsville, Yumba-Meta Ltd will deliver four new homes for single First Nations mothers and their children, with on-site support workers and case managers to help build independence and transition into long-term housing.
  • In Mackay, Connect Housing Group will construct three new homes for young parents and children as part of a growing supported community housing precinct.
  • In Brisbane, Mercy Community will deliver accommodation, mental health services and parenting support to vulnerable pregnant women and new mothers to help them maintain a healthy pregnancy and safely care for their baby. 

Minister for Housing, Public Works and Youth Sam O’Connor said the investment was part of the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to deliver more homes with support built-in and will ensure young Queensland mums have all they need to build a better life for themselves and their children. 

“Every young mum deserves a safe home and the chance to give her kids the best start in life,” Minister O’Connor said.  

“By delivering specially-designed homes with on-site supports across Ipswich, Townsville and Mackay, we’re giving vulnerable young families the stability they need today to have a pathway to a better future. 

“This is the kind of practical, early-intervention investment that keeps families together, prevents crisis situations and delivers lasting change.” 

Lady Musgrave Trust CEO Victoria Parker highlighted the impact for young women and their children in Ipswich. 

“These 13 new homes will be life-changing for young mums trying to build stability for their children,” Ms Parker said.  

“Safe, long-term housing combined with wraparound supports gives young mothers the chance to rebuild their confidence, pursue education and create a more secure future for their families.” 

Mercy Community Acting CEO Janet Rhodes said the Brisbane program would give young mothers the safety and support they need at the most vulnerable point in their lives. 

“This program will give pregnant women and new mothers a safe place to stay and the practical, emotional and health supports they need to care for their babies,” Ms Rhodes said. 

“Having stable accommodation with specialist help wrapped around them means these young mums can focus on their wellbeing and their child’s future, rather than worrying about where they’ll sleep next. 

“This investment will change lives from day one.” 

Yumba-Meta Ltd CEO Dushy Thangiah OAM reflected on the importance of cultural safety and local support in North Queensland. 

“The new supported homes in Townsville will give First Nations mums a safe place to live and culturally informed support to help them thrive,” Ms Thangiah said.  

“This investment will make a real difference for families who have been stuck in the cycle of homelessness.” 

Connect Housing Group Executive Manager Darren Mew reflected on the benefits for regional young parents. 

“Housing is the foundation of life and more young families in Mackay will now have access to safe, secure homes and the support they need to build independence,” Mr Mew said.  

“We’re proud to be part of a project that delivers real, lasting outcomes for vulnerable parents.” 

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Christien Duffey, 0427 939 326