Construction of women’s shelter in Gladstone

Minister for Housing Robert Schwarten today announced the Department of Housing will invest $2.4 million in a purpose-built women’s shelter in Gladstone.

“Crisis accommodation provides a vital service to many Queenslanders that are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, and in need of support,” Mr Schwarten said.

”Providing safe, secure and appropriate housing options to people experiencing crisis, is a major priority for the Queensland Government,” he said.

“The department purchased the West Gladstone site in 2007 for $360,000 and will spend a further $2 million to build the complex.”

Mr Schwarten said the women’s shelter would be managed by Ozcare (Louise Lodge) through the Government’s Crisis Accommodation Program.

“Ozcare, which has a proven track record for managing crisis accommodation across Queensland, will allocate the units on behalf of the department,” he said.

“Housing delivered by community organisations plays a vital role in providing for the accommodation needs of some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

“Ozcare currently manages three secure sites and two privately headleased properties under the Crisis Accommodation Program, and I’m sure they will do an excellent job managing the new complex in Gladstone when completed.

“Meeting the demand for accommodation in regional areas is one of the challenges the Queensland Government is tackling as part of its Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland vision for fairer communities.”

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