Another retirement village converted into homeless shelter

A retirement village in Brisbane’s north will become the latest aged care facility transformed into a homeless shelter as the state government scrambles to respond to the Queensland housing crisis.

A retirement village in Brisbane’s north will become the latest aged care facility transformed into a homeless shelter as the state government scrambles to respond to the housing crisis.

The $4.1 million purchase of the Rothwell facility comes after similar acquisitions in Toowoomba, Clayfield and Redland Bay over the last six months.

The vacant 18 units will undergo a $1.6 million refurbishment before tenants move in by the end of the year, according to the state government.

It will serve as emergency housing for older Queenslanders before being transferred into longer-term accommodation with the help of homelessness service providers and the Department of Housing.

The current crisis is “unprecedented” and requires a broad range of urgent responses, Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said.

Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the housing crisis is “unprecedented”. Picture: Adam Head

“We’re always looking at new and innovative solutions to get Queenslanders into safe and stable housing sooner,” she said.

“This site is particularly exciting as we have been able to purchase both the building of the former retirement village and the vacant adjoining parcel of land that has potential for longer-term development opportunities.”

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said the site will provide much-needed housing support to the surging population in the Moreton Bay region.

“A property like this will allow people in need to stay within their community and connected to services,” he said.

“This helps vulnerable locals into housing and helps to support them into permanent accommodation.

“This is just one example of the diverse housing solutions the government is delivering to help ease housing pressure and increase supply.”