Partnership boosts affordable housing stock in Bundaberg

A new social housing unit complex has been completed four months ahead of schedule in Avenell Heights and will soon provide a safe, secure and sustainable home to 16 Queensland households.

Minister for Communities and Housing, Leeanne Enoch said the complex of two-bedroom units was built through a partnership with Regional Housing Limited.

“The Palaszczuk Government has funded the construction of this $3.96 million project under our Partnering for Growth initiative,” Minister Enoch said.

“Investing in infrastructure is an important part of our COVID-19 recovery plan to support our economy and create jobs.

“Community housing providers have an important role to play in delivering social and affordable homes at subsidised rates for low to moderate income earners.

“The Queensland Government looks forward to continuing to work with Regional Housing Limited to provide safe, secure and sustainable housing for Queenslanders who need it most.

“This project has also supported 13 full-time equivalent jobs in the local building industry, plus many more through the building supply chain.”

Regional Housing Limited CEO Brett Hanna said he was excited to be working with the Queensland Government to help provide additional housing at a time when it’s needed most.

“Regional Housing Limited is thrilled to be delivering affordable homes in partnership with the Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy,” he said.

Minister Enoch said this housing will be life-changing for 16 Bundaberg families.

“This is an excellent outcome for the local community and a credit to RHL for its commitment to bringing social and affordable housing options to the region.

“The Palaszczuk Government is also providing funding of $4.81 million to RHL for two other projects in the local area.

“These are complexes of four, two-bedroom units in Bundaberg Central and 16, two-bedroom units in Kalkie.

“On top of these, we are committed to other projects to increase the number of homes available to those who need it in the Bundaberg region and beyond.”

As part of this year’s State Budget, Minister Enoch launched the Queensland Housing and Homelessness Action Plan 2021-2025.

“We have committed a $2.9 billion total housing investment, including the establishment of a $1 billion Housing Investment Fund, which will help drive increased social and affordable housing development across the state now and into the future and is key to delivering our plan for economic recovery from COVID-19,” Minister Enoch said.

“This is the largest concentrated investment in social housing in Queensland’s history.

“It includes a $1.9 billion investment over four years under the Queensland Housing Investment Growth Initiative (QHIGI) to commence 7,400 new social and affordable homes, boost housing supply and increase housing and homelessness support across Queensland.

“One-hundred-and-seventy new homes will be commenced in the Wide Bay Burnett region over the next four years - the $49.7 million supporting more than 156 full-time equivalent jobs.

“This is in addition to the 50 new social housing homes that have already commenced under the Queensland Housing Strategy 2017–2027.”

For more information on Partnering for Growth, visit https://www.chde.qld.gov.au/about/initiatives/partnering-growth

 ENDS

 Media contact: Philip Pope 0437 859 987