More than 550 social and affordable homes are now under construction or contracted for delivery across the Gold Coast region as part of the Queensland Government’s commitment to deliver 53,500 social and community homes by 2044.
The State Budget also provides $27.5 million to deliver specialist homelessness services to vulnerable people across the region, giving vulnerable residents access to emergency accommodation, specialist support and pathways into long-term housing while more homes are delivered.
This boost is backed in by yesterday’s announcement of $146 million in funding under the next round of the Residential Activation Fund, fast-tracking more than 18,900 homes on the Gold Coast.
Spread across three projects that will service new developments in Worongary, Robina, Pimpama, Coomera, Upper Coomera and Parkwood, the funding will fast-track critical trunk infrastructure including a major upgrade of the Merrimac Sewage Treatment Plant as well as other sewage, road and electrical works and will help more Queenslanders access a place to call home.
Minister for Housing, Sam O’Connor said the Queensland Government was delivering new social and community homes in every corner of the state.
“Every Queenslander deserves a place to call home – that’s why we’re delivering another record investment into building new social and community housing,” Minister O’Connor said.
“We have more than 550 social and affordable homes now underway across the Gold Coast, building on the 152 homes we have delivered across our city since we were elected and the tens of thousands of market-delivered homes we’ve unlocked.
“In the private sector, Lewis Land’s Harbour Shores masterplan in Biggera Waters is the perfect example of a project being delivered in the exact place more homes should go – close to shops, services, major roads and now, our next extension of the Gold Coast Light Rail.
“While we pull every lever to increase all types of housing supply, we’re continuing to invest in frontline housing and homelessness services so outreach workers can have certainty and vulnerable Gold Coasters can access the support they need.”
Acting Gold Coast Mayor, Mark Hammel said the Council is committed to working collaboratively with the Government to increase housing supply for all Gold Coasters.
“Whether it’s partnering to deliver more social and affordable housing projects or developing a new planning scheme that unlocks additional housing opportunities in the right locations, we recognise that meeting the needs of our growing community requires all levels of government working together,” Cr Hammel said.
“By aligning the City’s planning with the State’s housing priorities, we’re helping deliver more homes, more choice and greater affordability for current and future Gold Coasters.”
Lewis Land Head of Development, Michael Long said first home buyers have been priced out of many parts of the Gold Coast, and the group saw a clear opportunity to address this and play its part in a longer-term housing solution.
“We’ve specifically designed and priced 30 per cent of apartments in our newest release, Solis, to be accessible to first home buyers – quality one-bedroom apartments, half of which include an additional multipurpose room, close to Harbour Town’s future light rail extension,” Mr Long said.
“In doing so, we are delivering well-located, lifestyle driven homes for every generation, with connectivity to the city’s major employment and knowledge hubs.”
