Queensland to Build 490 Social and Affordable Homes for Seniors

A general view of properties at North Lakes in Brisbane, Australia, on June 10, 2016. Glenn Hunt/Getty Images

The Queensland government is set to build 490 new social and affordable homes for the elderly in a bid to free up larger houses for families.

This project, described as the largest of its kind in Queensland, will provide housing for residents aged above 55 who are looking to downsize.

Jointly funded by the Queensland and federal governments, each apartment would feature modern, low-maintenance, and energy-efficient designs, with options for one or two bedrooms.

The housing complex in Cairns’s suburb of Woree will comprise 245 social, 223 affordable, and 22 specialist disability apartments.

Funding for the project will come from Queensland’s Housing Investment Fund, financing from Housing Australia, the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) and ANZ bank, and a capital grant from the National Housing Infrastructure Facility.

Construction companies FCC Construction Australia and Modscape will be responsible for building the housing complex, with work to start from the week commencing Sept. 23.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government would work with the Queensland government to deliver more homes across the state.

“This project will deliver hundreds of homes in regional Queensland while complementing our plan to deliver thousands of homes through our Housing Australia Future Fund all around Australia,” he said.

Meanwhile, Queensland Premier Steven Miles said every older person in the state deserved a proper home.

“One of the most important things a government can do is build homes for the most vulnerable—something I’m proud to be doing every day,” Miles said.

“I have a plan to build more homes faster while supporting first-home buyers, renters, and the most vulnerable, and I will do what matters every day to relieve the housing pressures we face while also planning for the future.”

Shared Equity Scheme for Housing Blocked at Senate

Queensland’s announcement coincides with a setback for the federal Labor government’s major housing bill.

On Sept. 18, the Coalition and the Greens Party blocked Labor’s Help to Buy Bill at the Senate with a 19 to 41 vote.

The Bill proposes that the government will help people achieve homeownership by paying up to 30 percent for existing homes, and 40 percent of the purchase price for new homes.

It aims to provide funding support for 10,000 homeowners annually over four years.

The Greens have criticised the Labor government for attempting to rush through legislation that would disadvantage most renters.

Meanwhile, new data by Master Builders Australia indicated that the government would miss its 1.2 million home target with the current progress.

The peak industry body forecasted that Australia could only build around 1.03 million homes by 2029, falling short of 166,000 homes.

Denita Wawn, CEO of Master Builders Australia, has called for greater efforts from both state and federal governments to address the housing shortfall.

Naziya Alvi Rahman contributed to this report.