Published Wednesday, 21 November, 2007 at 10:00 AM

Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology
The Honourable Robert Schwarten

BREMER TAFE SITE TO RE-EMERGE AS AFFORDABLE HOUSING

The former Bremer TAFE site at Richlands Heights, Inala is set to become a master planned community through a development led by Brisbane Housing Company (BHC) with Mission Australia.

Housing Minister Robert Schwarten and Member for Inala Annastacia Palaszczuk joined BHC Chief Executive Officer David Cant today to formally launch the $5.2 million development with an official sod turning on the site at Columba Street.

“Stage one of the development will provide a mix of affordable housing and community facilities, including a childcare centre,” Mr Schwarten said.

“The affordable housing component will provide 30, two, three and four-bedroom townhouses and 9 apartments the rents for which will range from $110-$230 a week.”

Member for Inala Annastacia Palaszczuk welcomed the development saying there was a demand for more affordable accommodation in Brisbane’s south western suburbs.

“The median rent for a two-bedroom unit in Brisbane’s south has skyrocketed 40% in the past five years from $190 per week in 2002 to $265 per week, and this has had an impact on the budgets of low income earners,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Many can no longer afford to rent in the private market and they have turned to organisations like the Department of Housing and Brisbane Housing Company for assistance.”

Ms Palaszczuk said she was pleased to see the former TAFE college site being put to good use.

Brisbane Housing Company is an independent not-for-profit organisation that provides a high standard of affordable rental accommodation in Brisbane.

With initial funding from the Department of Housing and Brisbane City Council, BHC works in partnership with community groups and the private sector to build and buy housing. The developments are then offered to tenants at no more than ¾ of market rates.

Mr Cant said BHC had provided affordable housing to over 1000 Brisbane residents since its inception in 2003.

“The redevelopment of the Bremer TAFE site in conjunction with Mission Australia highlights the company’s ability to develop purpose built housing for differing community needs,” Mr Cant said.

“BHC held a community information session with local residents recently to let them know what was planned and I am pleased that the project is now underway.

“The project is evidence of BHC’s capacity to innovate and deliver real solutions.”

Construction of stage one is forecast for completion in November 2008.

To find out more about this project or any of Brisbane Housing Company’s developments go to www.brisbanehousingcompany.com.au.

Media contact: Minister Schwarten’s office – Scott Chandler on 0488 096 204
BHC - Ross Harris on (07) 3307 3000 or 0405 414 691