Housing builds a community in Brisbane

The Minister for Housing and Homelessness Brendan O’Connor and the Member for Griffith Kevin Rudd today officially opened Brisbane Common Ground, an innovative development providing supportive housing to those in need.Brisbane

Common Ground projects aim to break the cycle of homelessness by providing homeless people with safe, sustainable housing as well as the support services they need to get back on their feet.

The projects are designed to create a community, with half the homes going to homeless people or those at risk of homelessness and the other half going to low and moderate income earners who would otherwise be priced out of the area in which they work or study.

Brisbane Common Ground, in South Brisbane, provides 146 homes, along with communal areas and a range of support services.

Mr O’Connor said Common Ground is modelled on an internationally proven concept for tackling homelessness.

“All Australians deserve a safe, secure place to call home,” Mr O’Connor said.

“Common Ground offers more than a roof over people’s heads, it provides a community for people to belong to and be involved in.

“Tenants will have access to a range of support services including health, counselling, vocational training, living skills such as cooking classes and financial management, along with training and employment opportunities.

“It offers on-site support services for those who need them, helping people to overcome a range of underlying issues which can cause homelessness, such as mental illness, substance abuse, family breakdown and unemployment.

“There are also a number of common areas, including a rooftop garden, training rooms, communal kitchen and tenant lounge.”

Mr Rudd said the Federal Labor Government has made homelessness a national priority and has committed to halving homelessness by 2020.

“Federal Labor has invested more than $46 million to build Brisbane Common Ground as part of the $5.6 billion Social Housing Initiative,” Mr Rudd said.

“On top of this, through the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness we’re providing over $3.5 million over three years for the ongoing services which make Common Ground the success story it is.

“Brisbane Common Ground will not only provide stable accommodation to those who need it, it will provide vulnerable Australians with the necessary support they need to end the cycle of homelessness.

“It will provide the foundation on which people can build their lives.

“Without a stable home, people struggle to live healthily, stay in training or education, find and keep jobs, and be part of the community.

“This development will provide housing and opportunity for people who may otherwise be at risk of chronic homelessness and rough sleeping.”

Brisbane Common Ground is one of 11 Common Ground developments across Australia, seven of which are receiving funding from the Australian Government.