131 New Homes For Mackay Region

A major housing boost will see 131 social and affordable homes delivered or underway across the Mackay-Whitsunday region. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Mackay's ongoing housing shortage has been targeted with a major social housing announcement, with the Queensland Government confirming 131 social and affordable homes are now underway across the Mackay-Whitsunday region, alongside an $8.6 million boost for housing and homelessness services.

During a visit to Mackay on Wednesday, Housing Minister Sam O'Connor said the investment would help increase housing supply and support vulnerable Queenslanders.

“We have 20 more homes delivered or underway in the last 20 months than the entire decade preceding our time in government,” Mr O'Connor said.

Local Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the work was an important step in addressing Mackay’s housing pressures.

“We need to make sure that we keep on building... so that people can say, 'This is my home,'” he said.

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Social Housing Boost Targets Ongoing Regional Shortage

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Minister for Housing and Public Works Sam O'Connor was on the ground in Mackay on Wednesday, 15 July, to announce 131 social and affordable homes are now underway across the Mackay-Whitsunday region, alongside an $8.6 million investment in frontline housing and homelessness services, with the Queensland Government saying the measures will help alleviate the region's housing pressures.

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The announcement is said to be part of the Queensland Government's $5.7 billion statewide investment in social and community housing.

Mr O'Connor said more than 130 homes were currently underway, building on the 79 social and affordable homes delivered in the region since the Government was elected.

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He said the funding would support specialist homelessness services and crisis support, helping vulnerable Queenslanders access housing sooner.

“We have 20 more homes delivered or underway in the last 20 months than the entire decade preceding our time in government.”

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Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the announcement would help address housing pressures facing vulnerable residents in Mackay.

“I think it's going a long way. We need to make sure that we keep on building and we keep on constructing this type of housing so that people can say, 'This is my home.' That's our intention, and we're working towards it all the time. This is a prime example of that.”

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The pair toured the construction site, where 18 social homes are being built in Mackay's CBD.

“It is so sad to see people who are vulnerable and homeless, and these units are going to be able to house them into the future. It's so exciting because we've got a great location in the city, close to schools, shops and services. It's exactly the right place,” Mr Dalton said.

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Mr O'Connor also announced an additional investment in local housing support.

“I can also announce today that, as part of our budget delivered just a few weeks ago, we will be investing a boost of $8.6 million into housing and homelessness services in this region.  

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“It's really important we have the services available to help people get on a housing pathway and ultimately into homes just like these ones we're building right here.”

Mr O'Connor said the development would provide social housing for eligible applicants on the housing register.

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“They'll be for people on the register, and by definition, people who are eligible to enter social housing are the most vulnerable in our community.”

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He added that “The rent is capped at 25% of the residents' income.”

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