New homes for vulnerable people in Red Hill

The Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Brendan O’Connor, and Senator for Queensland, Mark Furner, today welcomed tenants to a new housing development in Red Hill, which received $1.3 million from the Gillard Government.

Senator Furner, who opened the development, said the five new homes will be provided to people with special needs who are vulnerable or at risk homelessness.

“The Gillard Government believes all Australians deserve a safe, secure home,” Senator Furner said.

“These five units are giving people with special needs who are vulnerable or at risk of homelessness the security of having a stable place to live close to public transport, shops and the city centre.

“This heritage-listed building was completely derelict, and had sat vacant for nearly a decade.

“The work to renovate the building and build these units created an estimated 10 jobs in the building industry.

“Each unit has a six star energy rating, with features such as energy efficient lighting and gas hot water systems to help tenants save money.

“The properties are also designed to be accessible for people who are ageing or live with disability, and can be easily modified in the future if needed to meet the changing needs of occupants and visitors.

“Most importantly, the tenants can access ongoing support from Communify Queensland Inc., including mental health services, financial counselling and support to connect with their community.

“We know that people with special needs can face significant barriers in managing their day-to-day lives, but with ongoing support, they can live independently in their own home.”

Mr O’Connor said the development is funded through the Gillard Government’s Social Housing Initiative, which is designed to help low income Australians who are homeless or struggling in the private rental market.

“The Gillard Government’s $5.6 billion investment under the Social Housing Initiative represents the single largest investment in social housing ever undertaken by an Australian Government,” Mr O’Connor said.

“We know that Australia is in the midst of a housing shortage and this Government will continue to work tirelessly to provide affordable housing for Australia’s most vulnerable people.

“We are building 21,000 social housing homes across the nation, with more than 19,400 of these already completed. We have also funded repairs and maintenance to another 80,000 existing homes, including 12,000 that were vacant or would have become uninhabitable without this work.

“This initiative has supported more than 15,000 jobs around Australia. In Queensland, we have invested almost $1.1 billion for new construction, with more than 4,000 new homes now completed.”