ST VINCENT DE PAUL AWARDED MANAGEMENT RIGHTS TO NEW MACKAY BOARDING HOUSE

Joint media release

Robert Schwarten MP, Housing Minister

and

Tim Mulherin MP, Member for Mackay

Housing Minister Robert Schwarten today announced St Vincent de Paul Society had been awarded the management rights to a new Boarding House on Milton Street in Mackay, which is due to open in early 2007.

Mr Schwarten said the boarding house, formerly the Motel Milton, would provide much-needed singles accommodation in the area.

“St Vincent de Paul has demonstrated its ability in managing community services including a successful homeless men’s hostel in the local area and also a range of other facilities throughout the state,” Mr Schwarten said.

“They have been operational in Queensland for 112 years and have been actively working in the region for over 60 years.”

Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin said a state-wide needs analysis of singles accommodation had shown Mackay was in high need for a facility of this type.

“Under its Boarding House program, the Department of Housing purchased the property at Milton Street to upgrade and convert into 17 units of accommodation with a communal facility,” Mr Mulherin said.

“The accommodation is targeted at low-income earners who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, with a special emphasis on single people who are seeking an affordable and flexible housing option.”

Mr Schwarten said the Boarding Housing program provides funds for the purchase or construction of properties for use as accommodation for single, low-income earners across Queensland.

“The program aims to increase the availability of singles accommodation that is appropriately designed, affordable, well-located and energy efficient,” he said.

“It also focuses on involving not-for-profit community organisations and local government in the management of these boarding houses.”

Mr Mulherin said registered community housing providers were invited to tender for the management rights of this facility, with St Vincent de Paul selected as the successful tenderer.

Media contact:
Minister Schwarten's office: 0408 717 887
Mr Mulherin's office: (07) 4957 8422