Queensland government purchases former Toowoomba retirement facility, turns it into social housing
A Toowoomba property has been purchased and transformed into social housing in a bid to tackle the region’s housing crisis. Details here.
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A Toowoomba-based retirement village has been transformed into social housing in a bid to tackle the region’s housing crisis.
The property, which previously served as a retirement village and houses 58 self-contained units, was purchased by the Queensland government for $10.6m.
Four tenants have moved into the social housing units, including a teenage girl from Toowoomba, who is now residing in a one-bedroom unit but was previously living in a hostel.
“The hostel wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t home,” the teen said.
“Then I moved in here, and it didn’t really sink in, but when it did, I was really happy.”
The state government worked to refurbish the Newtown property over the course of four months, with the remaining units now being offered to people who are listed on the social housing register.
While the Department of Housing is currently managing the site, a provider will soon be determined to help manage the property and support tenants.
Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said renovating the complex had assisted in getting a roof over people’s heads quicker than traditional construction methods.
“The housing challenges in Queensland and across the country are unprecedented, so we’re always looking at new and innovative solutions to get Queenslanders into safe and stable housing sooner,” she said.
“These units will provide stability for people on the housing register by giving them a long term place to call home, and they’ll stop others from becoming homeless for the first time.”
The Toowoomba property is the fourth aged care and retirement facility purchased in Queensland to assist with the housing crisis, after sites were also secured in Clayfield, Rothwell and the Redlands.
It is part of the Queensland government’s $5bn investment for social and affordable housing and homelessness support, designed to help provide 13,500 homes for people in need.
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