Youth Foyer: Major coast homelessness project delayed
The State Government has hit the brakes on a multimillion-dollar youth homelessness project despite previously saying it would be completed by the end of the year.
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A multimillion-dollar State Government homeless shelter on the Gold Coast faces six months of delays to “get it right”, with local politicians branding the hold up “a disgrace”.
State Government has hit the brakes on the $13.4 million Youth Foyer despite previous announcements it would be completed by the end of the year.
It will eventually offer 40 safe and secure units for youth in Southport and was originally announced in August, with construction to be completed at the end of 2019.
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Six months later a Question on Notice in parliament has revealed it is still in the design process due to “ongoing negotiations”
The project is now forecast to be ready early 2020.
Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni who made the original announcement last year, said the delay on the vital housing project was because he wanted to “get it right.”
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“I want to make sure we get the Youth Foyers right — the Gold Coast design is going to be a
first for Queensland,” he said.
“We are in the process of some design amendments to the building so it delivers the supports young people need at the same time as fitting with the neighbourhood.”
Southport councillor Dawn Crichlow said the delay was inexcusable.
“The State Government has owned that land since 2017 and now were are going to wait at least another year before any accommodation is available — it is a disgrace,” she said.
“We need accommodation fast, there are so many homeless people in the area, any excuse is just a cop out.
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“We have 12-year waiting lists for homes and teenagers rough sleeping in the park.”
LNP MP for Bonney Sam O’Connor said: “Youth homelessness is a massive issue on the Gold Coast so I back the Southport Youth Foyer.
“I’m disappointed it’s been delayed and won’t even start construction until 18 months after it was funded.”
Mr O’Connor said he also wanted to see consultation on the project.
“Locals are completely in the dark because there’s been no community consultation,” Mr O’Connor said.
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“The people living next door, local organisations and especially the major high school just a few hundred metres away deserve to know what’s planned.”
The Gold Coast Youth Foyer will offer safe and secure housing, staffed 24/7 by professional youth support workers, with tenants paying 25 per cent of their income in rent.
Tenants are expected to be aged between 16-25.
The project is planned for the corner of North and High Streets, Southport.
Public submissions on the project are set to open soon.
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