The Queensland Government has spent $4.1 million on a former aged care home north of Brisbane which it plans to transform into homes for those in need of housing.
Queensland Housing Minister, Meaghan Scanlon says the Rothwell property will undergo a $1.6 million refurbishment before welcoming tenants at the end of the year.
Like the other aged care facilities secured by the State Government in the past six months in Toowoomba, Clayfield and Redland Bay, this property will mostly house older Queenslanders.
“The housing challenges in Queensland and across the country are unprecedented, so we’re always looking at new and innovative solutions to get Queenslanders into safe and stable housing sooner,” said Minister Scanlon.
“This site is particularly exciting as we have been able to purchase both the building of the former retirement village and the vacant adjoining parcel of land that has potential for longer-term development opportunities.
“Not only do we have shovels in the ground building hundreds of homes through our record $5 billion investment in social and affordable housing, but we are purchasing existing facilities like this that would otherwise have been lost.
“Support doesn’t stop at the front door, this site is a great example of how the Palaszczuk Government will provide not only a home but wrap around support services to help transition residents into longer-term accommodation.”
The Rothwell site will provide up to 18 units for people in the Moreton Bay region, adding to 58 units at Toowoomba, 37 at Clayfield and 28 at Redlands.
Staff from the Department of Housing and a specialised homelessness service will work onsite with residents to support them in obtaining longer-term accommodation.
“Everyone deserves a place to call home, and soon this former aged care facility will provide a home for older Queenslanders experiencing housing stress,” said Deputy Premier and Member for Murrumba, Steven Miles.
“Moreton Bay region is one of the largest and fastest growing regions in the country. A property like this will allow people in need to stay within their community and connected to services.
“This helps vulnerable locals into housing and helps to support them into permanent accommodation,” he said.
