Livingstone council gifts Cordingley, Fountain Street blocks to Anglicare CQ

Two blocks of vacant land in Yeppoon and Emu Park have been gifted to Anglicare CQ to help address the severe shortage of affordable housing in the region.

Blocks of land at Fountain Street, Emu Park, and Cordingley Street, Yeppoon, have been gifted to Anglicare CQ.

Livingstone Shire Council has gifted two blocks of council-owned vacant land to non-for-profit community service organisation Anglicare CQ in an effort to address the severe shortage of housing in the region

The properties are a 3000 sqm block at 16-18 Cordingley Street, Yeppoon, and 99-1115 Fountain Street, Emu Park, which is 1.5ha.

The land at 16-18 Cordingley Street, neighbouring the Yeppoon Cemetery.

The vacant lot at 99-115 Fountain Street Emu Park.

Council lodged an application in April 2022 to subdivide the Fountain Street block into 11 lots and said at the time the lots would be available for purchased in 2023/24.

Affordable family accommodation and units for people with disabilities are hoped to be built by Anglicare CQ at the properties.

“While the housing shortage cuts across most of the market, it is the sharp decline in the availability of units to accommodate low income, single parents, people with a disability and other vulnerable sectors, that is the most pronounced and the most impactful,” Mayor Andy Ireland said.

“Having a roof over your head is one of the most essential basic human needs, and council is committed to addressing the housing shortage in our region.

“Whilst this is an important step, much more will be needed to fully address the problem.

“This is where the assistance of relevant state and federal agencies becomes pivotal, so I welcome their growing attention to this crisis.”

Anglicare Australia released the 2023 Rental Affordability Snapshot report on April 27 which showed the worst findings to date.

Rental affordability trends across Central Queensland and Australia showed an ongoing lack of affordability.

In Central Queensland there are zero affordable and appropriate housing options for anyone on a government allowance, including the pension, Jobseeker, Youth Allowance and disability support.

AnglicareCQ Chief Executive Officer Carol Godwin said AnglicareCQ welcomes council’s partnership on the Capricorn Coast.

“The gifting of two parcels of council land on the condition that AnglicareCQ secures funds to develop these blocks, is a move in the right direction when it comes to relieving housing pressure in our community,” Ms Godwin said.

“Livingstone Shire Council is to be commended for being progressive in their thinking and getting behind us to tackle the housing crisis.

“From here, AnglicareCQ hopes our state and federal government partners also support these critical projects and we can get builds happening promptly.”