Vacant motor inn to help young people at risk of homelessness

• The Palaszczuk Government is transforming a vacant motel in Brisbane into more specialist supported accommodation for young people
• It will have 19 semi-self-contained rooms for people aged between 16 to 24 years
• 24/7 onsite supports will be available to the young people to help them work towards their goals

The Palaszczuk Government is refurbishing a vacant motor inn to help young people at risk of homelessness.

Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon today announced the motel will be transformed into temporary supported accommodation to provide an additional 19 semi-self-contained rooms for young people aged between 16 to 24 years.

The complex will be leased for an initial period of three years, with two one year options.

It follows the announcement of the lease and purchase of retirement villages in Clayfield, Rothwell, Toowoomba and the Redlands as well as the purchase of a former serviced apartment complex in Gladstone.

The government will shortly commence a procurement process to identify an experienced specialist homelessness service provider, that will deliver 24/7 onsite supports to the young people.

Quotes attributable to Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon:

“On top of our big housing build, we’ve been looking at ways to provide more immediate solutions like purchasing and leasing vacant retirement villages, apartment complexes and motels.

“The supported accommodation will give young people the stability they need so they can look towards achieving their long-term goals like employment, education and increased income.

“The specialist onsite staff will be available 24/7 to help them to work towards these goals while also helping them to secure their path to longer term housing.

“Each room will contain their own bedroom, kitchenette, living space and a private ensuite, and there will also be a communal kitchen, laundry and dining area plus office spaces.”

ENDS

Media contact: Francis Dela Cruz - 0420 592 078