- The Government has entered into contracts to purchase 64 homes with funds previously earmarked to repurpose student accommodation
- The move will see vulnerable people housed quicker and represents greater value for money
- Contracts have already been entered into on for properties across Queensland
The Queensland Government will purchase houses and units across the state in the open market with funds currently earmarked to repurpose disused student accommodation.
$25 million will be invested to purchase existing dwellings, including houses and units, to get vulnerable people housed quicker.
The government consulted QShelter who agreed greater value for money could be achieved and housing could be provided faster.
Detailed cost estimates found substantial works would be required to bring the unused student accommodation at Griffith Mt Gravatt campus up to current fire safety standards, especially given its proximity to bush land.
Instead, the government will divert funding for the purchase of 64 houses and units, which will be made available in a shorter timeframe.
The Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy is actively progressing property purchases to add to Queensland's stock of social homes.
Contracts have already been entered into in the following suburbs: Acacia Ridge, Annerley, Atherton, Bucasia, Cloncurry, Cooran, Eagleby, Emerald, Gladstone Central, Gleneagle, Gordonvale, Griffin, Kawungan, Mount Low, Ormeau, Pimpama, Rural View, Smithfield, Tully, Urangan.
Attribute to Deputy Premier Steven Miles:
"After consulting with Queensland's leading housing advocacy group, QShelter, we've made the decision to purchase homes directly on the private market, to get more people into accommodation quicker," Mr Miles.
"We haven't taken this decision lightly. Many Queenslanders, who have never experienced housing stress before, are struggling and we are committed to doing as much as we can.
"Unforeseen challenges at the Griffith site means that this is simply a better, faster outcome for vulnerable Queenslanders across the state.
Attribute to QShelter Executive Director Fiona Caniglia
"The allocation of funding to purchase housing directly makes more sense given the challenges presented by the Mt Gravatt site.
"We support any action which achieves homes for Queenslanders faster. In the longer term, this funding will go further and achieve sustainable housing outcomes for as long as people need them. Q Shelter will be working with Government to ensure that not-for-profit community housing providers assist in any way possible to implement this plan.'
