Community Housing Qld Limited makes plans for 490 social and affordable homes
A social housing development believed to be the largest in Queensland, has been slated for a south Cairns suburb.
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A social housing development believed to be the largest in Queensland, has been slated for a south Cairns suburb.
Development applications this week have been submitted that will pave the way for construction of 490 social and affordable homes at the site of the disused Cairns Coral Twin Drive-In which closed in the year 2000.
The proposed development will be geared toward seniors seeking to downsize and move into supported independent living in a shift expected to free up under-occupied social homes for larger households.
Plans feature modern, low maintenance and energy efficient one and two-bedroom homes, set among landscaped gardens that feature playgrounds, picnic areas and outdoor entertaining areas.
The Palaszczuk Government is now considering an application from project proponents Community Housing Qld Limited and Victoria-based financier Tetris Capital through the government’s $2bn Housing Investment Fund.
The fund has incentivised private sector investment that has led to solutions to a statewide homelessness crisis, according to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
“We know Queenslanders are feeling the impact of national housing pressures across the state,” she said.
“That’s why my government is pulling every lever available – including working hand-in-hand with housing providers.”
The site of the planned development has a chequered history.
In 2013 the first stage of a first stage of a $175m residential and commercial development spearheaded by Sunset Drive Inn Pty Ltd kicked off.
However the project stalled and the site 10 years later remains undeveloped, however the company still owns three parcels of land on Des Chalmers Drive.
A proponent associated with Sunset Drive Inn plans for the site in 2013 was contacted by the Cairns Post however he was limited in what he could reveal about ongoing negotiations with Community Housing Qld.
It’s understood Community Housing Qld will have a call-in option to acquire the land at a later date.
Cairns MP Michael Healy said under the proposal Community Housing Qld will operate the campus with onsite staff and support.
“CHQL will also lead a Community Development model with staff who will work with support partners to deliver lifestyle programs to reduce social isolation and encourage active lifestyles,” he said.
“This approach will provide residents with support and activities as well as continuing any existing support arrangements they may have in place already.”
Community Housing Limited State Manager Alicia Follent said the project would deliver housing supply at scale in response to an urgent need for social and affordable housing.
“These contemporary, high-quality social and affordable homes are a long-term investment and will serve as a community conscious development for our seniors and those living with disability, enabling them to comfortably age in place,” she said.
“These homes will be transformative, providing life-changing opportunities for residents to age in place while remaining closely connected to local services, transport, and their community.”
Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the Woree project forms part of a $5bn commitment to help deliver 13,500 homes.
“We are now actively working with Community Housing Qld Limited and Tetris Capital to progress this project through the Housing Investment Fund,” she said.
Originally published as Community Housing Qld Limited makes plans for 490 social and affordable homes
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