Private-sector help to deliver 600 modular houses for homeless

The state government will enlist the help of the private sector to deliver 600 modular homes as Queensland’s housing crisis continues and despite previous construction targets being missed.

The state government will enlist the help of the private sector to deliver 600 modular homes as Queensland’s housing crisis continues and despite previous construction targets being missed.

Treasurer Cameron Dick revealed next week’s state budget would include $2.8bn for housing, including a $1.25bn down payment to ramp up the delivery of social homes.

It came as Opposition Leader David Crisafulli said he would release his plan for housing next week, amid criticism from social service organisations and the government about a lack of policy detail.

Premier Steven Miles on Monday visited QBuild’s Eagle Farm manufacturing facility to announce a public-private partnership to build 600 modular homes for social and public housing and government worker housing in regional Queensland.

Modular homes produced by the state’s QBuild factory range from $209,000 for one bed and one bathroom to $442,000 for a four-bed, two-bathroom home.

Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon was unable to say how much the private sector would charge the state for each modular home.

Premier Steven Miles flanked by Treasurer Cameron Dick and Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon. Picture: Tertius Pickard/NCA NewsWire

“It really depends on which builder it is, obviously, we’ll be going into a tender process... we’re really hopeful that by doing a bulk order it allows us to drive down that price and it also allows us to build more homes so we aren’t as reliant on hotel accommodation,” she said.

Former premier Annastacia Palaszczuk promised 80 homes before July 1 last year, but the Eagle Farm QBuild facility delivered just two.

Ms Scanlon said the government was on track to deliver 150 modular homes this financial year.

The Queensland Council of Social Service’s annual housing update on Monday praised the Miles government’s action, but said its $3bn plan was yet to have a significant effect – with the state’s crisis showing no sign of easing.

Ms Scanlon declared her plan had a range of short, medium and long-term actions to ease housing pressures.

Meanwhile, the Queensland Council of Social Service on Monday used The Courier-Mail to call on Mr Crisafulli to reveal whether he supported the government’s $3bn Homes for Queenslanders plan and detail his social housing targets.

Mr Crisafulli said detail would be released within days.

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli

“I intend to use my budget in reply speech to further outline some solutions,” he said.

“One of the solutions that he put forward will be lifting the stamp duty on first home ownership to ease the cost of entry into the market.

“It has stubbornly stuck for the better part of 15 years.”

Mr Crisafulli announced a plan to lift stamp duty in January, but has not revealed what it would be lifted to.

The LNP leader, who polling indicates will become premier, was unable to announce clear targets for social home construction, but promised they would be forthcoming.

“I intend to make housing a really critical part of why I think Queenslanders should change government,” he said.

“I look forward to being held accountable for the targets we set.”

Deputy Premier Cameron Dick urged Mr Crisafulli to release the targets he intends to hold himself to in government.

“What’s his KPI for social and affordable homes in Queensland?

“It’s really important for David Crisafulli to say what is his target for the construction of social and affordable homes in Queensland.”