State govt announces new housing for First Nations women and children on Brisbane’s southside

Housing Minister Leeanne Enoch has announced a new purpose-built Brisbane accommodation precinct for a group of vulnerable Queenslanders experiencing or at risk of homelessness. SEE THE DESIGNS

The state government has today announced a new purpose-built accommodation precinct on Brisbane’s southside for First Nations women and children who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing homelessness.

Housing Minister Leeanne Enoch said the project would provide five studio apartments, 10 one-bedroom units and 18 two bedroom-units.

Ms Enoch said the Palaszczuk government is partnering with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service (ATSICHS) Brisbane to redevelop the site where the Joyce Wilding Hostel had been.

“The hostel has a long and important history of providing short to medium-term transitional accommodation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children” she said.

But Ms Enoch said the project is “part of a bigger investment from the Palaszczuk government”.

Queensland Housing Minister Leeanne Enoch in front of the construction of Kaggarabah, formerly known as Joyce Wilding Hostel. Picture: Matthew Poon

“We know that we need to build more properties as quickly as possible and have to pull every possible policy lever,” she said.

“This will absolutely be part of a bigger story of what’s happening right now across our state as we find new and innovative ways to be able to support people and get a roof over their head sooner.”

“Not only does my department build social and affordable housing, we also have these private market products that we have been using as well.”

Ms Enoch said the state government’s Help to Home program is about “attracting and calling on investors who might have new to market properties or may have had their properties in Airbnb on short term holiday let, or commercial properties”.

Artist impression of new housing for First Nations women and children at Eight Mile Plains.

“We guarantee two year lease arrangements, 3 months advance payment and will hand those properties back in the same condition.”

Ms Enoch said “when you consider a $2.9 billion investment, the largest concentrated investment in social and affordable housing in Queensland’s history we are moving as quickly as we possibly can”.

She said there has also been record funding for homelessness services to “broker more crisis accommodation” as well as a recent extension of rental subsidy scheme from $5000 for 6 months to $10,000 for 12 months to “help people sustain their rent”.

Ms Enoch said construction has commenced with the project expected to be delivered by mid-2023.

“All of these programs are there to support people in the private rental market and of course support those from our housing register into social housing as well where it is appropriate,” she said.

“I think every Australian has felt the pressure from the impacts of Covid – we are seeing more and more cases of domestic violence – so something is going really awry,

But ATSICHS Brisbane CEO Renee Blackman said the new accommodation will provide “safe, affordable and culturally appropriate housing” for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children.

“The facility is a much-needed addition to the community and will help reduce housing instability and the risk of homelessness,” she said.

New Social Housing

Ms Enoch said construction has commenced onsite, and the new precinct is expected to be completed by mid-2023.

She said the new precinct would be developed to be culturally responsive, maintain historical connections and respect the natural environment.

“These homes will provide privacy and independence for residents,” she said.

“An integrated communal hub will also be included in the development to provide space for essential social, health and cultural support services.”