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Minister for Community Services and Housing and Minister for Women - The Honourable Karen Struthers.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Massive social housing roll-out boosts Queensland economy.

Queenslanders are due to see a massive roll-out of social housing across the state as the Bligh Government works to build more than 3000 social housing dwellings by the end of this year.

The roll out is part of a Nation Building Plan which will accommodate more than 6200 eligible Queenslanders. About 4000 homes will be completed in total and 75% must be built by the end of this year.

The plan is pumping $ 1.1 billion from the federal government into the state’s economy over three years to June 2012 and creating 13,000 jobs.

More jobs are to be created as the Bligh Government builds a further 1600 social housing dwellings under other national agreements and spends $140 million through the Queensland Future Growth Fund during the 2009-2010 financial year.

Housing Minister Karen Struthers said it was action stations across the state.

“Finding a job and giving your kids a good education is hard when you’ve got no roof over your head,” Ms Struthers said.

“We know a number of families are doing it tough right now and we’re doing everything we can to give them somewhere safe and secure to live.

“Under Nation Building- a partnership with the Federal Government- we’re planning to roll out accommodation for more than 6200 people who need social housing.

“And we’re building even more using money from Queensland’s future growth fund.

“It’s a win for those who struggle to have a roof over their head but it’s also a win for builders throughout the state and its good news for the Queensland economy.”

Ms Struthers said people needed to be prepared to accept social housing in their neighbourhoods.

“We need the community behind us,” Ms Struthers said.

“We need their support.  As long as there is prejudice and suspicion about social housing tenants, we face an uphill battle.  I want the community to get behind social housing.”

Ms Struthers said the vast majority of tenants were good people who took care of their homes.

“It’s their pride and joy.   I’ve been out and about meeting tenants of social housing.  You know what they say to me?  They say, ‘I feel like I’ve won lotto.’  They are so excited to have a place to call home.

“I’ve seen a lot of social housing and quite often it’s the best looking building on the street. 

“That’s why I want people to think twice before they object to a social housing development planned for their neighbourhood. 

“I want them to think about that person who’s living rough, with no roof over their head and no place to call home.”

Ms Struthers said $80 million was also being spent on sprucing up current social housing stocks and conducting repairs and renovations.

Breakdown of planned social housing build to 2012 by region under Nation Building:

Brisbane- 1100

Central Queensland- 430

Far North Queensland- 260

North Coast (South East)- 675

North Queensland- 413

South Coast (South East)- 580

South West- 380

To be allocated- 150

Media inquires:  Minister’s Office 07 3235 4265