Anglicare CQ to build new social housing in Rockhampton for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence

Tenders have been released for a four-unit development in a secured gated community for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence.

New crisis social housing units are to be built in Rockhampton for those fleeing emergency situations of domestic and family violence.

Tenders were released last month by Anglicare CQ for four crisis accommodation units in Berserker.

Renders and plans for the development show security is a heavy feature with intercoms, card reader, cameras and a master control that links up to the Anglicare CQ office.

The units have three-bedrooms and have a gross unit floor area of 635m2.

Anglicare CQ Housing and Homelessness manager Adam Klaproth said the units would be specifically designed for women and children who have experienced domestic and family violence.

“They will be built in a secure gated community with their own individualised yards and homes, but also include communal areas for children to play and offer opportunity for recovering families to come together,” he said.

Anglicare manages about 330 social housing dwellings on behalf of Department of Housing across Central Queensland, as far west to Longreach.

The development has come about as the region is in a housing crisis.

“There are not enough homes to meet demand and it is forcing low to medium income earners into inappropriate living arrangements or homelessness,” Mr Klaproth said.

“We feel strongly about being able to supply housing specifically for domestic and family violence because with vacancy rates as low as 0.4 per cent in the rental market and properties becoming increasingly unaffordable, we are finding people choose to stay in abusive relationships because they have nowhere else to go.

“Our properties will look at providing an immediate option for these women and children, with our dedicated support staff working with them to re-establish themselves and assist in the transition to longer more stable housing.”

National company Hutchinson Builders and Rockhampton born business Griffin Builders have tendered for the development and both estimate it would cost $1m to $1.5m.

The build is in partnership with the Federal Government under the Safe Places funding.

Tenders close on October 25 and the successful tenderer will have a contract period of eight months.

Construction is expected to begin in early 2022 with completion around mid to late 2022.