Olympic fast rail resumptions to become social housing
Eleven homes that were due to be demolished to make way for the Gold Coast Logan fast rail project will now be repurposed into social housing, the Housing Minister has revealed.
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Eleven homes due to be demolished to make way for a billion-dollar fast rail between the Gold Coast and Logan in time for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, will now be relocated and repurposed as social housing.
Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon revealed on Sunday the homes would be moved to state-owned land, with the first house already relocated to Sunnybank and ready for new tenants.
It was unknown exactly how many properties would be affected by the Logan and Gold Coast faster rail project, with the government currently refining the designs following community consultation.
Twenty-one residents have so far been informed their land would be acquired for the project, which will see 20km of the Gold Coast Beenleigh line between Kuraby and Beenleigh duplicated and several train station upgrades.
Ms Scanlon said of the 11 homes identified within the Logan rail corridor, one was ready for tenants, a second house had been awarded a contract for the relocation and tender applications remained open for a further nine homes.
The 11 homes will add a combined 36 rooms to Queensland’s social housing supply including nine three bedroom houses, one four bedroom house and the already prepared five bedroom in Sunnybank Hills.
“When we found out these homes were suitable for relocation, we jumped at the chance to repurpose them for social housing,” Ms Scanlon said.
“Whether it’s through moving homes earmarked for demolition or repurposing retirement homes – we’re putting all options on the table to help Queenslanders.”
The 11 homes have been obtained from various streets in Loganlea, Kuraby, Kingston and Logan Central.
The first house contains five bedrooms and was relocated on June 13 from Kingston to Sunnybank Hills.
Member for Stretton James Martin welcomed the social housing addition to his electorate.
“The large family home will open its doors to its new Sunnybank residents shortly after it is refurbished,” he said.
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