Picture: ANDREW KACIMAIWAI
South-East Queensland is to get 1100 new homes under the federal $32 billion Homes For Australia plan, PM Anthony Albanese said during a visit to Logan yesterday (October 15).
He says 500 new homes will be built in Meadowbrook, south of Brisbane, with site approvals to take just 12 weeks and that $40 million is earmarked for the state, under the Housing Support Program, to fund infrastructure work.
In addition, more than 600 affordable homes will be built at seven sites around Brisbane: Stones Corner, Woolloongabba, Chermside (two sites), Redcliffe, Toowoomba and Southport.
“Housing Australia is contributing $300 million, the Queensland Government $405 million and the Australian Retirement Trust superannuation $150 million for the project,” he says.
Construction is under way in Chermside, Redcliffe and Stones Corner with work due to begin in the next year at Toowoomba, Woolloongabba and Southport.
“I grew up in social housing; I know the opportunities a secure roof over your head brings,” Mr Albanese says.
“The only way to get more houses is to build them; that’s exactly what we’re focused on delivering as quickly as possible.”
Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers says supply is the best solution to the housing crisis.
“Our investment will mean that the site for 500 new homes in Meadowbrook can be approved in 12 weeks rather than 12 months – so families in our growing community can get into a home much sooner.”
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Clare O’Neil says the new homes builds on 490 social homes announced in Cairns.
“These projects are all about reducing housing stress for renters, first home buyers and our most vulnerable Queenslanders,” she says.
“This is part of our ambitious plan to build 1.2 million homes to make housing more affordable for all Australians.”
Federal Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King says that new infrastructure is critical.
“It’s not just the 1.2 million new, well-located homes we’re building; we’re also ensuring the critical infrastructure is in place for residents to thrive as soon as they move in,” she says.
“Our investment in Meadowbrook is an example of this – we’re delivering the enabling water, sewerage and power infrastructure the community needs.”
