VINNIES PARTNERS WITH STATE GOV TO DELIVER 147 HOMES FOR QUEENSLANDERS

Vinnies Queensland will be able to provide a safe place to call home for hundreds of Queenslanders after a new partnership with the State Government to build 147 social and affordable homes in Toowoomba, Bundaberg and the Gold Coast. 

The partnership was officially announced at Thursday’s CEO Sleepout event at Brisbane Riverstage by Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon.  

The State Government will contribute nearly $59m to the project through the QuickStarts Qld program, with 60 dwellings to be built in Bundaberg, 60 in Nerang on the Gold Coast and 27 in Toowoomba. 

It’s the first major announcement for our 500 Homes in 5 Years project, which aims to double our Society’s housing stock over the next five years to provide to Queenslanders in need. 

Vinnies Queensland CEO Kevin Mercer said the additional social and affordable homes would be a great relief for hundreds of Queenslanders struggling to secure affordable housing in their community. 

“Through the State Government working with support organisations like Vinnies, we can provide more than just a place to live, but also ensure residents have access to wrap-around support for furniture, food and other essentials to provide hope and security in the long-term,” he said. 

“We are greatly appreciative of the Government’s support of these projects and look forward to continuing our partnership to provide more homes for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.” 

Minister Scanlon said organisations like Vinnies Queensland were key to delivering more social housing for Queenslanders in need.  

“What is clear is that all levels of government, industry and the community housing sector need to continue to work hand-in-hand to address national housing pressures as quickly as we can,” she said. 

Following further design, approval processes and securing builders, construction is expected to start in 2024.