An affordable housing planning application, for 490 new properties, has been lodged in Queensland as part of the State Government $2 billion Housing Investment Fund.
The hundreds of new social, affordable and specialist homes are on the cards for Woree, between Cairns’ southern corridor and inner-city suburbs.
The housing project is particularly aimed at seniors who are seeking to downsize and would be able to enjoy supported independent living, while freeing up under-occupied social homes for larger households.
Plans feature modern, low maintenance and energy efficient one and two-bedroom homes, set among landscaped gardens, picnic grounds, barbecues and playgrounds.
Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, said “We know Queenslanders are feeling the impact of national housing pressures across the state.
“That’s why the government is pulling every lever available – including working hand in hand with housing providers.
“Through the $2 billion Housing Investment Fund, we’re seeing the private sector come to the table with their solutions including another 71 projects being shortlisted for the next stage.”
The site where the housing project is set to be built is connected to the Bruce Highway.
The location offers direct access to the Cairns Bus Transit network at the eastern front of the property with two newly constructed bus stops servicing five bus routes.
Community Housing Limited State Manager, Alicia Follent, said that creating affordable and social housing is a long-term investment for the government.
“This project is an example of the community housing sector’s pivotal role in delivering supply at scale by working across the private and public sector.
“It exemplifies successful collaboration with our valued partners Tetris Capital, harnessing their expertise in managing institutional investment in response to the urgent need for social and affordable housing.
“These contemporary, high-quality social and affordable homes are a long-term investment and will serve as a community conscious development for our seniors and those living with disability, enabling them to comfortably age in place.
“These homes will be transformative, providing life-changing opportunities for residents to age in place while remaining closely connected to local services, transport, and their community.”
Housing Minister, Meaghan Scanlon, said that the state is committed to helping provide affordable housing for those in the community.
“Right around the state we have projects in the pipeline, as part of our $5 billion commitment to help deliver 13,500 homes.
“We welcome any proposed housing projects that will boost the number of social and affordable homes for Queenslanders in need.
“We are now actively working with Community Housing Qld Limited and Tetris Capital to progress this project through the Housing Investment Fund.”
The development plan is currently on top of the 1600 homes already approved under the Housing Investment Fund.
Featured image: Concept Design plan for the new 490 social and affordable housing plan. Image courtesy of the Queensland Government.
