Major social housing project nearing completion in Gladstone and Rockhampton

A 12-person strong group has been announced to help the homeless between Rockhampton to just north of Brisbane. VIDEO, DETAILS

A 12-person strong ‘critical response team’ was announced on Friday to help people sleeping rough between Rockhampton to just north of Brisbane.

The group will work with local homelessness network to regularly visit known areas where people are experiencing homelessness and offer rapid support to help them find accommodation.

It was announced by Labor’s candidate for Rockhampton, Craig Marshall, but in a media release Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the new team would be out in their van every day offering people a safe place to stay, wraparound support and longer-term housing.

Craig Marshall, Critical Response team and CQID representatives discussing Labor's plan for homelessness

Rockhampton Regional Council Deputy Mayor Drew Wickerson recently told his fellow councillors during an ordinary meeting that homelessness was a widespread problem, both within the region and wider Queensland.

“It’s certainly a problem all of us have seen, not just here in Central Queensland and the Rockhampton region but in Brisbane, too… right up the river, every little park seems to have tents in it which is tragic in its own right,” Mr Wickerson said.

“I don’t think we can sit back and say ‘it’s not our problem’ - everyone has to be part of the solution to a degree…We can have strategies and plans till the cows come home, but we actually have to put it into practice at some stage.”

Rockhampton Deputy Mayor Drew Wickerson says homelessness is a widespread problem.

In Rockhampton, a $4.7 million project is also close to being finished and includes eight one bedroom and two two-bedroom units.

The government has also partnered with AnglicareCQ to deliver 26 factory-built homes, predominantly for single-parent families in Central Queensland.

In Gladstone, 85 homes have been purchased to provide long term housing for Roseberry, and 13 new social housing buildings are nearing their completion.

Gladstone single mum Kylie Reynolds and seven-year-old daughter Lilliana have lauded the project.

Ms Reynolds lost her business and her home due to ill health and was living in her car before being offered crisis accommodation through her local housing service centre.

“The lack of safety and risk of sleeping in your car, it’s unexplainable. Certainly not where I thought I’d be at 38,” she said.

“The housing team was great – they were amazing, they helped so much.”

The pair have now moved into a new social home and Ms Reynolds is actively looking for full-time work and hopes to study social work to help others.

People who need housing assistance are encouraged by the state government to contact the 24/7 Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753.