• 40 new social homes are being built in Basin Pocket to cater for older Queenslanders
• Helping them to downsize to more manageable housing, it will in turn free up larger homes for families
• The project is being delivered in partnership between Palaszczuk Government and Churches of Christ Housing Services (CoCHS)
• It’s part of a record $5 billion for social and affordable housing – the largest investment in Queensland’s history – to help deliver 13,500 homes

Work is well 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.

Quotes attributable to 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.  

“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.”

Quotes attributable to Ipswich MP Jennifer Howard:

“This development is 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.

“It’s an investment in helping local people, and it’s great to see the Palaszczuk Government continue to partner with groups like Churches of Christ Housing Services to make it happen.”

Quotes attributable to Gus Taddeo, General Manager Churches of Christ Housing Services:

“We are 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.”

Further information:

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.

ENDS

Media contact: Francis Dela Cruz - 0420 592 078