Affordable Accommodation Boost for Older Australians in Gladstone

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Brendan O’Connor today visited the Gladstone Heritage Retirement Village where new homes for older Australians are being delivered through the Gillard Government’s National Rental Affordability Scheme.

The Minister spent time viewing the 21 completed units and talking to the residents of the Retirement Village, where a further 36 units will be completed next year.

“It is great to visit the Gladstone Heritage Retirement Village to see how these homes are helping older Australians remain independent, and most importantly, stay connected to services and support available in the community,” Mr O’Connor said.

“The homes, which are two bedroom apartments, are environmentally friendly as they have been built to five star Green Building standards. Solar panels, grey water recycling for the bathrooms and treated water for toilets and gardens have all been incorporated into their design.

“They can also be adapted so tenants with a disability can live independently in their own home.”

While these new homes are a welcome addition, they only form a small part of the Commonwealth Government’s promise to provide more affordable rental homes in Queensland and across the nation.

“For the Gladstone community, we are supporting the delivery of 237 new rental homes in total – offering the community more choice and in turn easing housing shortages for the whole community with more housing becoming available because of these new dwellings,” Mr O’Connor said.

“Across Queensland we are supporting the construction of more than 11,200 new affordable rental homes.

“Nationally, the $4.5 billion National Rental Affordability Scheme will deliver 50,000 new rental homes, increasing the supply of more affordable private rental housing and reducing rental costs for low and moderate income households by encouraging private investment in innovative affordable housing.

“The Gillard Government is committed to tackling the issues of housing affordability.

“That is why we have put in place $20 billion worth of measure to help people with home ownership, affordable housing, and to tackle homelessness,” Mr O’Connor said.