First Nations partnership for new social housing in Brisbane

The Palaszczuk Government is investing in housing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Brisbane north region.

Communities and Housing Minister Leeanne Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government had partnered with Umpi Korumba Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Corporation to deliver new homes in Brisbane’s north.

“The Palaszczuk Government is providing funding of $1.63 million (GST inclusive) to Umpi Korumba to redevelop land in Zillmere into four, one-bedroom apartments with each apartment also including an additional multi-use space,” she said.

“This will provide modern, accessible and affordable social housing for eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

Minister for Children, Youth Justice and Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Member for Nudgee Leanne Linard said the homes will be built to be accessible for seniors and people with a disability.

“It is wonderful to have this investment in our local community. It is much needed and will be very welcomed,” Ms Linard said.

“One home will be built to Platinum Level of the Livable Housing Design guidelines, meaning it is suitable for a person who mobilises in a wheelchair,”

“The other three homes will be built to Gold Level, so they will be suitable for people with mobility issues and for people ageing in place.”

Umpi Korumba Chairperson Trevor Robinson welcomed the partnership.

“Umpi Korumba is delighted to receive Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy funding to redevelop our Zillmere site,” he said.

“This project will provide Umpi Korumba with more safe, secure social and affordable housing solutions for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community here on Turrbal Country.”

Ms Enoch said in June 2021, the Palaszczuk Government launched the Queensland Housing and Homelessness Action Plan 2021–2025.

“The new Action Plan is backed by a $2.9 billion investment, including the establishment of a $1 billion Housing Investment Fund,” she said.

“This is the largest concentrated investment in social housing in Queensland’s history and will see the commencement of 10,000 new homes over the life of the Queensland Housing Strategy 2017-2027.

“Construction of the units to be delivered by Umpi Korumba is scheduled to begin in July 2022.

This is about delivering key milestones as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Action Plan 2019-2023 which is boosting housing supply and creating jobs across Queensland.”

ENDS

Media contact: Bill Walker 0437 859 987