• The first tenants have moved into the former Redland Bay retirement village, the Palaszczuk Government has announced
• The temporary accommodation will deliver 28 homes for people experiencing or at-risk of homelessness
• Community housing provider Mangrove Housing will provide dedicated services on site
• It builds on a record $3.9 billion for social and affordable housing, the largest concentrated investment in Queensland’s history, to help deliver 13,000 homes

Families, seniors and young people have begun moving into a former retirement village in Redland Bay, which has been converted into accommodation for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

The village is being leased by the Palaszczuk Government to help house more Queenslanders while it delivers its record $3.9 billion social and affordable housing investment.

A two-year lease has been signed, with an option for a one-year extension, for the property which includes 26 studio units plus two, three-bedroom houses.

Quotes attributable to Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon:

“Beyond our record social housing build, we need to look at more ways to tackle this issue head on, like different types of housing support.

“We know that plenty of people are doing it tough with national housing pressures being felt in Queensland, and the key to addressing this challenge is bringing more housing supply online and those broader supports – and that’s exactly what the Palaszczuk Government is doing.

“Leasing this facility has allowed us to deliver temporary accommodation for people in housing need sooner.

“We know that having access to safe and secure housing and the stability of a place to call home makes a big difference in many aspects of people’s lives.

“Through Mangrove Housing, new residents will be supported to connect with longer-term housing options, including social and affordable housing and the private rental market.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Redlands Kim Richards:

“We know there are people in the Redlands community who are doing it tough at the moment and need housing assistance

“These homes in this former retirement village will make a significant difference in the lives of the people who are moving in here.

“This is a welcome addition to our community and complements the ongoing construction of new social housing in the region.”

Quotes attributable to Mangrove Housing CEO Teresa Reed:

“We are very excited to be involved in this new initiative that looks to repurpose unused facilities to assist in providing temporary accommodation for those doing it tough in the Housing Crisis.

“We know firsthand the anxiety and fear that housing uncertainty brings to people, the simple repurposing of this space means safety, security and hope for some of the most vulnerable members of our community. 

“Having already tenanted the townhouses we expect to have the suites fully occupied by mid-June 2023.”

Further information: 

Anyone who needs housing assistance can contact their local Housing Service Centre during business hours or call the 24/7 Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753.

ENDS

Media contact: Francis Dela Cruz – 0420 592 078