Toowoomba social housing boost as state government buys Freedom aged care facility in Newtown for $10.6m

Toowoomba’s ailing social housing stocks will soon be boosted, with the state government to build new dwellings for dozens of residents after a $10.6m purchase.

The state government will build new social housing dwellings for more than 50 Toowoomba residents after buying an old aged care facility for more than $10m.

The Chronicle can reveal the Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy paid $10.6m for the former Freedom aged care centre on Bridge St in Newtown shortly before Christmas last year.

The previous retirement village, which was sold through agency CBRE, sits on more than 6200sq m of land near the heart of Toowoomba, close to key public services.

Toowoomba’s social housing register, like the rest of Queensland, is backed up for months as the city continues to grapple with skyrocketing rents and rock-bottom vacancy rates.

Data from the Queensland Council of Social Services revealed that in 2021 residents had an average wait of nearly two years for accommodation in Toowoomba — a blowout from just eight months in 2017.

The state government has bought the old Aveo Freedom aged care and retirement village on Bridge Street in Newtown for $10.6m, through agent CBRE.

Housing Minister Leeanne Enoch revealed the current facilities at the village would be used to support disadvantaged and homeless locals.

“We’re building more social housing, we’re buying more local properties, and we’re helping people to secure and sustain private rentals, including headleasing homes,” she said.

“This is another example of what we did recently with the purchase of a former aged care facility in Brisbane which will become home to more than 30 people.

“This complex will provide safe, secure and affordable housing for adults and new residents will be supported with quality accommodation, communal facilities, public transport nearby and support services.

“Having a home can make a big difference to the opportunities and outcomes individuals and families have and their ability to build a bright future for themselves.

“Our holistic approach means we are not just providing housing assistance, but also connecting people to supports from a range of government and non-government agencies that are specific to their individual needs.”

The state government has bought the old Aveo Freedom aged care and retirement village on Bridge Street in Newtown for $10.6m, through agent CBRE.

It comes just weeks after the state government’s housing summit, which resulted in an extra $23m commitment for more accommodation and services.

Former social housing resident Lidija, who has now transitioned to a permanent rental after living in her van for a period of time, said new accommodation would be welcomed.

“I tried every possible way to rent — share housing, independent units, but no one wanted me,” Lidija said.

“I was so grateful to people for assisting me.

“I was walking around with a permanent smile on my face, because I had a place to live that was bigger than my van.”

Ms Enoch was in Toowoomba in 2021 to open a new set of social housing dwellings for more than 20 residents.