Palaszczuk’s deal with Vinnies to construct 147 new social homes

A new partnership will see Queensland boost its social and affordable housing stock in three cities across the state.

Nearly 150 new homes will be added to Queensland’s social housing stock after the state government struck a more than $70 million deal with support group Vinnies.

The partnership will include the construction of 27 homes in Toowoomba, 60 in Bundaberg and another 60 in the Gold Coast suburb Nerang.

The state government will contribute nearly $59 million of the $71 million while Vinnies will pitch in more than $12 million as well as providing the land.

But Vinnies Queensland chief executive Kevin Mercer said the organisation will also provide support services to residents.

“This partnership will allow us to provide a safe and secure place to call home for 147 Queensland families and individuals,” he said.

“Through the state government working with support organisations like Vinnies, we can provide more than just a place to live but also ensure residents have access to wraparound support for furniture, food and other essentials to provide hope and security in the long-term.

“We are greatly appreciative of the government’s support of these projects and look forward to continuing our partnership to provide more homes for people in need.”

Meaghan Scanlon said all levels of government need to work together to address the crisis. Picture: Annette Dew

Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said “we’re determined to keep delivering homes for people who need it most”.

“Partnerships with organisations such as St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland are key to our delivery of more social housing for Queenslanders in need,” she said.

“What’s clear is all levels of government, industry and the community housing sector need to continue to work hand-in-hand to address national housing pressures as quickly as we can.”

The Palaszczuk government has faced consistent criticism in recent months for its public housing promises, with stakeholders warning 6000 new social and affordable homes are needed each year.

But it has incrementally increased its commitments with a $1.1 billion boost in the state budget this month to support existing projects and increase stock by another 500 homes.

Ms Scanlon also pledged $64 million to increase the state’s capacity for emergency accommodation while Queensland will be given nearly $400 million to build new social homes as part of the Albanese government’s new $2 billion social housing accelerator payment.

The 147 new homes announced as part of the partnership with Vinnies will be funded through the government’s Quickstarts Qld scheme — a capital investment program from the Department of Housing aimed at funding construction and redevelopment of social housing projects.

Vinnies said construction for the 147 homes will start next year.