A new community housing complex will soon be built at Morayfield in a collaborative effort to alleviate homelessness in Moreton Bay.
Murphy Builders has been appointed to deliver the 14-unit development, which will provide long-term housing for people in need of safe and stable accommodation.
As part of an innovative approach, Council granted community housing provider Coast2Bay with a low-cost lease to support community use over Council land on Oakey Flat Road to develop and manage community housing at the site.
The Queensland Government is providing funding for the construction of the project, which is expected to begin later this year.
City of Moreton Bay Mayor, Peter Flannery said Council was proud to support the project by providing the land to help make it a reality.
“This project will deliver much-needed homes in our City for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness,” he said.
“The provision of Council land for these homes is another example of a Council taking a collaborative approach with community and government partners to improve outcomes for people experiencing homelessness and housing stress in Moreton Bay.
“Our Housing and Homelessness Action Plan continues to drive our commitment to supporting long-term community wellbeing. Stable and secure housing for people in need is critical to this.”
The complex will feature a mix of one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom units. It will also include a community room, providing opportunities for tenant engagement activities, group meetings, small events and local service providers to delivery programs in the complex – initiatives that will drive community and connection.
Construction is expected to be completed in late 2027. Residents will be eligible people from the Queensland Housing Register, and may be seniors, families and people with a disability.
“Projects like this show what happens when all levels of government work together to get more housing out of the ground,” said Minister for Housing and Public Works, Sam O’Connor.
“We’re making it easier to build and backing community housing providers so more vulnerable Queenslanders can have a safe place to call home.
“After years where supply went nowhere near keeping up with demand, the Crisafulli Government has 624 social and affordable homes underway across Moreton Bay on top of unlocking tens of thousands of new private market homes.”
Coast2Bay Housing CEO, Andrew Elvin said the project means more locals will have a safe place to call home and the support they need to build a better future.
“This project is about housing people and changing lives,” he said.
“Council’s support through the land lease, together with Queensland Government funding, shows what is possible when we work together with a shared purpose.
“Once complete, our team in Caboolture will be there to support tenants every step of the way. Being based locally means we understand our community and can respond quickly with care and compassion. At Coast2Bay, housing people really does change lives.”
Division 12 Councillor, Tony Latter said the complex was well-located and would provide homes for people experiencing housing stress.
“These new homes are close to transport and amenities, including bus stops, Morayfield train station and shops,” he said.
“The demand for community housing has increased locally, so it’s pleasing to see a builder has been appointed to construct this much-needed complex.”
City of Moreton Bay has also granted a low-cost lease to support community use to community housing provider Bric Housing to develop and manage community housing on Council-land at Caboolture.
Additionally, Council is encouraging the construction of community and affordable housing through its Attraction of Affordable Social Housing Development Policy, which waives up to 100% of the infrastructure charges and development fees for the social and affordable housing portion of a development.
To date, Council has waived or agreed to waive $2.281 million in infrastructure charges and development application fees for eligible projects, including a Redcliffe complex featuring 82 social and affordable homes which welcomed its first residents late last year.
Construction is also underway on social and affordable housing projects at Deception Bay and Mango Hill, while other projects are under assessment.
