Work is underway on 40 new homes in Ipswich, designed to cater for older Queenslanders wanting to downsize to smaller, more manageable accommodation.
The 40 homes will consist of 34 one-bedroom units and six two-bedroom units, which will in turn free up homes for families in the region.
Expected to be completed later next year, a community room will also be included, providing areas for social interaction between tenants, with plans to form a social committee, said Queensland Housing Minister, Meaghan Scanlon.
“Plenty of Queenslanders are looking to downsize as they get older, which is where builds like this step in for our older social housing tenants,” said Ms Scanlon.
“Not only does it give them a new place to call home that’s more manageable, it also frees up larger homes for families who might need more bedrooms and living space.
“Every Queenslander deserves a roof over their head.
“To tackle the impact national housing pressures are having here, we need to work with industry to look at new solutions and ways of doing things – that includes building more social housing.
“These units are among almost 600 homes that are currently under construction across the state, and the more than 10 we’ve built per week since 2015.”
Ipswich MP, Jennifer Howard said the housing development was greatly needed in Ipswich.
“For the residents that will soon call this place home, it’s close to public transport and nearby services, shops and the CBD,” she said.
General Manager Churches of Christ Housing Services, Gus Taddeo said the organisation was proud to continue to partner with the Queensland Government to deliver another project which will provide safe, secure and affordable housing for the people of Ipswich.
“We’re really pleased to be getting this project underway. The new units will be a genuine asset in Ipswich for years to come,” he said.
The land for the project is owned by CoCHS and prior to demolition, comprised of older dwellings at the end of their life cycle, including two houses and seven units.
The properties were owned and managed by CoCHS for use as social housing. All social housing tenants were relocated to other social housing properties in the region prior to demolition.
Construction is expected to support around 64 full time equivalent jobs.
