NEW MEN’S HOSTEL OPENS IN TOWNSVILLE
Published Wednesday, 23 April, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology
The Honourable Robert Schwarten
A new $3.5 million men’s hostel opened in Townsville today will provide a roof over the head for men who would otherwise be homeless, Housing Minister Robert Schwarten said.
Mr Schwarten said the 42-bed hostel in Blackwood Street was jointly funded by the Department of Housing, which provided $1.5 million, and Ozcare Townsville, and was an example of how the State Government was working in partnership with non-government organisations to address homelessness.
“This project was initiated by Ozcare following the need to upgrade the previous dormitory-styled Ozcare Men’s Hostel located in Palmer Street,” Mr Schwarten said.
“The project included the demolition of the former Sun Seeker Motel, with construction of the new building on the existing slab.
“The new hostel includes two beds for people with a disability and two sick beds. Staff at the facility include a coordinator, welfare worker, cook, a part-time day shift worker and two sleep-over support staff.”
Mr Schwarten said it would take co-operation from all levels of governments to overcome homelessness.
“For ten years we had a Federal Government that turned a blind eye to the housing crisis and homelessness,” Mr Schwarten said.
“The Howard Government slashed the funding it gave to Queensland to build more public housing and refused to increase funding for crisis accommodation or supported accommodation programs.
“However, the Rudd Government has already announced a number of initiatives to examine the root causes of homelessness and make efforts to overcome them.
“Only three weeks ago Federal Housing Minister Tanya Plibersek announced funding of more than $35 million over the next five years to build 143 new homes for the homeless.
“And in just a few weeks the Federal Government will call for public comment on a Green Paper into homelessness in this country.”
Mr Schwarten the funding for the new Ozcare facility pushed State Government funding for housing and housing-related services in the Townsville region to more than $220 million since 1998.
Media contact: Scott Chandler on (07) 3237 1832
Mr Schwarten said the 42-bed hostel in Blackwood Street was jointly funded by the Department of Housing, which provided $1.5 million, and Ozcare Townsville, and was an example of how the State Government was working in partnership with non-government organisations to address homelessness.
“This project was initiated by Ozcare following the need to upgrade the previous dormitory-styled Ozcare Men’s Hostel located in Palmer Street,” Mr Schwarten said.
“The project included the demolition of the former Sun Seeker Motel, with construction of the new building on the existing slab.
“The new hostel includes two beds for people with a disability and two sick beds. Staff at the facility include a coordinator, welfare worker, cook, a part-time day shift worker and two sleep-over support staff.”
Mr Schwarten said it would take co-operation from all levels of governments to overcome homelessness.
“For ten years we had a Federal Government that turned a blind eye to the housing crisis and homelessness,” Mr Schwarten said.
“The Howard Government slashed the funding it gave to Queensland to build more public housing and refused to increase funding for crisis accommodation or supported accommodation programs.
“However, the Rudd Government has already announced a number of initiatives to examine the root causes of homelessness and make efforts to overcome them.
“Only three weeks ago Federal Housing Minister Tanya Plibersek announced funding of more than $35 million over the next five years to build 143 new homes for the homeless.
“And in just a few weeks the Federal Government will call for public comment on a Green Paper into homelessness in this country.”
Mr Schwarten the funding for the new Ozcare facility pushed State Government funding for housing and housing-related services in the Townsville region to more than $220 million since 1998.
Media contact: Scott Chandler on (07) 3237 1832