Darling Downs social housing receives $32 million boost in Queensland Government budget

The Darling Downs is set for a huge housing boost, with the Queensland Government committing $32 million to build more than 100 new social homes in the region.

Social housing in the Darling Downs has been given a funding boost in this year’s Queensland Government budget with $32 million to be invested over the next four years.

The boost is part of the Queensland Housing Strategy Action Plan 2021-2025, which was released in conjunction with Tuesday’s state budget, and outlined new accelerated social housing targets for the Darling Downs.

Housing Minister Leeanne Enoch said the investment would see more than 100 new homes built and construction of these homes would support more than 100 full-time jobs.

“We want to support more local families and community members to have a safe and secure place to call home,” Ms Enoch said.

“Our investment in social housing will support jobs for local tradies, as well as small businesses throughout the supply chain.”

Ms Enoch said new targets for the Darling Downs were part of the Palaszczuk Government’s bold new plan for addressing housing need in Queensland.

“As revealed in Tuesday’s Budget, we are investing $1.9 billion over four years to fast-track projects and initiatives that will increase the supply of social housing, seek proposals to develop under-utilised state land, deliver mixed-use developments, and commence 6365 new social homes across Queensland,” she said.

“To support this, we are establishing a new $1 billion Housing Investment Fund, the returns from which will drive new supply to support current and future housing need.”

Ms Enoch said the budget also provided more support for homelessness and enhanced frontline services for women and families who were experiencing, or are at risk of, domestic and family violence.

Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland CEO Derek Tuffield welcomed the increased investment in social housing in the region

“This is an outstanding commitment over four years from the Queensland Government to realistically help address critical social housing needs and invite investors to be part of the longer term solution,” he said.

For more information on the Queensland Housing Strategy Action Plan 2021-2025, visit qld.gov.au/housingstrategy.