Since the Australian Government's announcement of its $5.238 billion Nation Building - Economic Stimulus Plan in February 2009, the Queensland Government has worked tirelessly to roll-out a building program that will support local jobs and extend its social housing portfolio to meet the needs of people on low-incomes and those that are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.
Together with our partners, Project Services, the department has worked closely with the private sector and community housing providers to ensure the rapid and effective implementation of Queensland's $1.085 million share of the Social Housing Initiative. To date, this collaboration has resulted in 349 new dwellings, with 3,102 dwellings under construction statewide.
In June 2010, the Nation Building - Economic Stimulus Plan - Social Housing Initiative reached a significant milestone, with over $100 million provided to not-for-profit organisations under the capital grants program.
Other milestones achieved in June were:
- Completion of two capital grant projects in Brisbane, delivered by Brisbane Housing Company, providing 47 dwellings.
- Completion of five studio apartments with access to shared/communal areas delivered by the Cootharinga Society of North Queensland.
- Completion of 17 one-bedroom units constructed by Cavcorp Qld Pty Ltd and to be tenancy managed by BRIC Housing. The complex features one fully adaptable unit and five semi-adaptable units.
- Completion of 18 studio apartments Woolloongabba by BlackWhite Pty Ltd and to be tenancy managed by 4Walls Limited.
While timeframes are tight, the Queensland program continues to accelerate and remains on track to deliver our target of 2,714 new homes by the end of the year.