The Queensland Government is working with a First Nations community housing provider to deliver 75 new social homes in the Moreton Bay area.
Undertaken in partnership with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service (ATSICHS), the project will deliver 53 one-bedroom and 22 two-bedroom units for Indigenous Queenslanders experiencing or at risk of homelessness, young people aged between 16-25 and those aged over 55 years.
Construction is anticipated to be completed in mid-2026.
The Moreton Bay project will include expansive outdoor spaces and inviting communal areas to enhance the living experience for residents, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
Fourteen units will be built to platinum level and 61 to gold to provide accessibility options for tenants with higher needs.
Inspecting construction progress onsite, Queensland Minister for Housing and Public Works, Sam O’Connor, said that the project was a great example of the State Government partnering with community housing providers to deliver much-needed housing.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders are six times more likely to experience homelessness, that’s why we are partnering with First Nations-led community housing providers to ensure more Queenslanders have a place to call home,” O’Connor said.
Queensland Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Fiona Simpson, said that the State Government would continue to work with First Nations providers to support community housing projects, such as this one in Moreton Bay.
“Housing is crucial in delivering the foundations for a fresh start for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with the dignity of a roof over their head,” Simpson said.
“The Queensland Government knows housing is critical to foster positive outcomes for Indigenous children and families, hence we are driving up housing supply and promoting home ownership in First Nations communities through 99-year leases.”
ATSICHS Brisbane CEO, Renee Blackman, said, “Projects such as this are vital and represent a significant step forward in our mission to provide essential services and support to our First Nations Elders.
“By creating affordable housing options specifically for First Nations people, we are contributing to the broader efforts to increase housing availability and affordability across the nation,” Blackman said.
“We are delighted to have been able to partner with the Queensland Government to make our vison a reality and we look forward to further partnerships.”
City of Moreton Bay Mayor, Peter Flannery, said that Council was committed to increasing the amount of social housing across the city.
“I’m pleased to see this new build address the needs of our older residents,” Mayor Flannery said.
“It’s important to have both accessible and affordable housing options in our city but as our population ages, it’s also essential we plan for the right facilities to cater for our community’s changing needs.
“This is a great example of delivering the right housing in the right location, as we work towards a future where First Nations peoples have fairer access to a sustainable housing system in City of Moreton Bay.
“We’re doing out bit working with community housing providers to waive development fees and infrastructure charges for eligible affordable and social housing projects.”
