A digital rendering of what the new housing project will look like. Image: Queensland Government
Work on a new $400m affordable housing project in Cairns is due to start next week and accommodate about 700 people.
The project is expected to build 490 homes in Woree for older Queenslanders looking to downsize featuring 245 social, 223 affordable and 22 specialist disability apartments.
The project has been funded by the federal and Queensland governments.
The one and two-bedroom homes are aimed at people over 55 and those with disabilities and has direct access to transport routes, the Bruce Highway, shopping centre and aquatic centre.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the project complements their plan to deliver thousands of homes through the Housing Australia Future Fund nationally.
“Housing changes lives and my government is determined to work with the Queensland Government to deliver more homes all across the state.”
Queensland Premier Steven Miles says the 490-home precinct is “the biggest housing build in our state”.
“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,” he says.
The Minister for Northern Australia, Madeleine King says the project is a “great example” of the work of the Northern Australia Investment Facility.
Queensland Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon says the Woree project is an example of a partnership between government and community housing providers.
Federal Housing Minister Clare O’Neil says the “fantastically innovative” project “is about reducing housing stress for Queenslanders.
“… the more homes like these that we build, the more affordable housing becomes,” she says.
MP Member for Cairns Michael Healy says he was excited to see the project finally become reality.
“I’ve fought hard for more homes to be built – because it’s what matters to our community – and I’m excited to see what is the largest social and affordable housing project in the state get under way in Cairns.”
Construction is due to finish by the end of 2026.
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