- $5.2 million to redevelop centre and deliver six new social housing units
- Centre provides housing and homelessness support as well as youth services
- Funded by Miles Government and resources sector through the Resources Community Infrastructure Fund
- Construction due to start later this year
Concept images available here.
People in Mackay in need of support and experiencing homelessness will soon be able to access better integrated housing and support services thanks to a $5.2 million upgrade to the St Vincent de Paul Society's Community Support Centre on Juliet Street.
The funding will deliver a purpose-built support centre and six new social housing units.
Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace today joined local member and Assistant Minister Julieanne Gilbert to meet those who use the vital service, and release new concept drawings of the redevelopment.
The new support centre will be located on the ground floor, along with offices, meeting rooms and work areas, kitchen, laundry, carpark, and a one-bedroom accessible social housing unit. There will be five additional social housing units on the second floor - three two-bedroom and two one-bedroom self-contained units.
This project is proudly funded by the Resources Community Infrastructure Fund – a voluntary partnership between the Queensland Government, Participating Mineral Resources Industry Parties, the Queensland Resources Council and its members.
This investment complements the record housing investment in the Miles' Government's first budget and the Homes for Queenslanders plan, with other services including CASA Outreach Mackay, Kaylan Youth Service, and Lowanna House also receiving support.
The budget has the largest ever cost of living package at $11 billion with $1,300 off power bills, 20% off rego, $200 FairPlay vouchers for 200,000 Queensland kids, 50c public transport fares, stamp duty concession lifted to $700,000, free kindy, free TAFE, and a rebate of $1,000 for apprentices to get the tools they need.
Elsewhere in the region there is $679m for the Mackay Hospital and Health Service, $57 million to maintain, upgrade, and improve schools, and $1.3 billion for the Big Build – supporting 3,400 local jobs.
As stated by Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace:
"The Miles Government is proud to be able to give back to our resources industry communities, acknowledging their importance and the work they do to benefit all Queenslanders.
"This funding goes towards delivering improved social housing and support services to those who need it most within the community.
"The project will provide essential support for members of the Mackay community who are either experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness.
"Queensland communities should be the first to benefit when the resources sector they support succeeds and that's why our partnership with the resources sector through the RCIF is such a great initiative.
"It's all part of the Miles' Government's first budget, which is about doing what matters for Queensland."
As stated by Assistant Minister for State Development and Infrastructure and Member for Mackay, Julieanne Gilbert:
"The Miles Government is committed to helping families at risk and supporting those doing it tough.
"That's why it is so important to back organisations like Saint Vincent De Paul that do so much for our communities.
"New social housing and an upgraded Mackay Community Support Centre will provide access to much needed support services here in Mackay.
"This is the type of funding and services that is at risk with the LNP who cut social housing when last in government."
As stated by Minister for Housing Meaghan Scanlon:
"We've made it clear through our Homes for Queenslanders plan that we'll pull every lever possible to help Queenslanders find a place to call home.
"Upgrading this facility at Mackay means more than just a roof over their head, it's the wraparound support to help people get back on their feet.
"We are delivering support for our most vulnerable by boosting funding for frontline services and our social housing build."
As stated by St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland CEO Kevin Mercer:
"We greatly value partnering with the State Government on the RCIF grant, allowing us to integrate both social housing and support services in one location for Mackay residents in need.
"This project will not only provide homes to locals experiencing or at high risk of homelessness but also deliver essential support services in the Mackay region.
"In the first year of operation, we anticipate delivering well over 7,000 instances of support, greatly increasing our capacity to assist individuals and families.
"We look forward to the Juliet Street development becoming a place of hope and support for the Mackay community."
