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The Palaszczuk government has revealed its plan to build around 500 new social homes in Queensland as part of a $320 million investment to assist families struggling with housing insecurity.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who owns at least two investment properties, said the government would pull “every leaver possible” to house Queenslanders.
“We recognise that this is a big issue out there for families,” Palaszczuk said.
“We are throwing everything at this.”
Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the investment is part of the state’s build-to-rent program, and that the 500 new social houses would be added to the 2,765 other homes the government had promised by 2025.
The build-to-rent program involves the government partnering with the private sector to deliver “discount-to-the-market affordable rental homes.”
“We know that the housing market is really hot right now and that is why we are doing everything we can to build as many social and affordable houses as possible, so that every Queenslander has a safe roof over their head,” Ms Scanlon said.
“People are feeling the impact of inflation, which is meaning that some people who have never needed support from government before are reaching out for help.
“We’re dealing with very unique circumstances and pressures right now and we acknowledge that. That’s why we’ve got increased investment.”
Ms Scanlon said that these 500 new houses would be built across the state with a target for contracts to be signed by the private sector by 2025.
“It’s really difficult to get construction projects up off the ground because of the supply chain constraints and the limitation on the workforce,” Ms Scanlon said.
“But the money is there, it’s available and we’ll be doing everything we can to get those houses up off the ground as quickly as possible.”
The $320 million investment also follows a $10 million plan to turn the unused Pinkenba isolation facility into emergency accommodation.
