Emergency housing at Griffith University moving ahead

• Construction is underway to convert vacant student rooms into emergency short-term accommodation at Griffith University, Mount Gravatt
• Works include changes to the floor plan and refurbishments
• Construction is expected to be finished in mid-2023
• The works are an outcome of Queensland’s housing summit and part of the Palaszczuk Government’s investment to ease housing pressures and get more Queenslanders into homes

The transformation of vacant student rooms into emergency lodgings is taking shape at Griffith University in Brisbane’s south to offer a housing lifeline to Queenslanders.

Construction is underway at the university’s Mount Gravatt campus to convert the buildings into short-term accommodation and repurpose 200 unused student beds.

Works to the complex include changes to the floor plan to provide people with a small living area and bed space. Kitchen and bathroom facilities will be shared.

Economic Development Queensland undertook detailed planning to ensure the complex will be safe and suitable for future residents.

A scope of works was finalised after it was determined that refurbishment alone would not provide suitable living conditions for adults in need of this kind of support

Construction is expected to be finished in mid-2023.

The Department of Communities and Housing will continue to progress discussions with service providers on the operational aspects.

The temporary repurposing of these buildings was just one of a range of measures to help ease housing pressures.

Following the state’s housing summit in October, this government has announced more than $50 million towards getting more Queenslanders into homes.

This includes $21.7 million in extra support for those struggling to find a home in the private rental market or who cannot afford to pay their rent.

Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier Steven Miles:

“This facility will provide a buffer for Queenslanders doing it tough in the current housing crisis before they can get back into the rental market,” Mr Miles said.

“It will mean a roof over the heads of more Queenslanders when they need it most.

“The plan to repurpose unused student beds came out of our housing roundtable, showing what can be achieved by working together.

“I would like to thank Griffith University for bringing this opportunity to the table and for continuing to work with us to get this accommodation up and running.

“The housing crisis has hit many Queenslanders who have never before found themselves homeless, and we are committed to turning this around.

“That’s why we announced an over $50 million investment and a number of reforms to improve housing supply, security, affordability and diversity.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Communities and Housing Leeanne Enoch:

“This facility is another example of our commitment to work across government and the private sector to house more vulnerable Queenslanders sooner,” Ms Enoch said.

“Once complete, the complex will provide vital short-term housing for adults as they are supported into longer-term, more secure accommodation.

“We’re working with community housing and support providers to finalise the operation of the facility ahead of completed works.

“The Palaszczuk Government is continuing to pull every lever available to deliver innovative housing solutions for Queenslanders right across the state.”

Anyone who needs housing assistance can contact their local Housing Service Centre during business hours or call the 24/7 Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753.

ENDS

Media contact:           Amy Hunter 0423 651 484