A small step towards improving the local social housing supply has finally taken shape with the completion of 12 new homes in Cannonvale.
Located opposite the shopping centre and within easy walking distance to the school and bus-stop, the units will provide a small, safe community for those in need in the Whitsundays.
They comprise two, two-bedroom units and 10 single occupancies.
The ground level includes four, one-bedroom homes designed to Gold Level accessibility standards.
These include features such as level thresholds, wider doorways, hallways and clearances, and features such as wall ovens.
The two, one-bedroom homes on the ground level are designed to Platinum Level accessibility and have additional clearance and circulation spaces.
These homes also include features such as lower kitchen benchtops and removable cupboards under the kitchen sink and cooktop, making them particularly suitable for people who mobilise in wheelchairs.
The multi-purpose space in these Platinum Level homes could be used as storage, a study, or as space for an overnight guest.
Housing Minister, Meaghan Scanion said these homes are a positive step in the right direction.
“These homes show that we’re serious about building more homes for Queenslanders through our plan,” she said.
Fergus Builders were the main contractors on the new Cannonvale complex and company Director, Adam Wright, said it was important to contribute to such a far-reaching social issue.
“Obviously it’s quite in your face these days, the housing crisis, and delivering more social housing is just one-way to help ease that,” he stated.
“If they really want to hit those targets then there’s going to be a lot more projects like this that have to come up,” he added.
Joanne Moynihan, Chief Operating Officer of The Whitsunday Housing Company said she is thrilled to see this project come to fruition.
“It’s something we really need,” she said.
“Single accommodation is in very high demand, and we have more on our wait list for social housing than ever before, it has increased significantly in the last six to 12 months.
“With less properties available and less affordable rentals and purchases, it has pushed the demand up.
“People who wouldn’t normally apply for social housing are now applying because they have no other options.”
This project is part of the state’s social housing initiative to build 53,500 social homes in Queensland by 2046.
Local non-for-profit group, The Tiny Homes Project, is also close to receiving DA approval and is expected to soon break ground on the construction of five ‘tiny homes’ in Proserpine.
These homes will be allocated for women over 55 who are homeless.
A third housing project in Bowen is also underway.
Fergus Builders employee, Training & Skills Development Minister Lance McCallum and Fergus Builders Director, Adam Wright outside the new social home complex in Cannonvale. Photo supplied
