Queensland Launches Largest Social Housing Development Project
Australia: Construction is set to begin on Queensland’s largest social and affordable housing project, which will deliver 490 homes in Woree. The development focuses on providing housing for older people looking to downsize, thereby freeing up larger homes for families.
The Cairns Regional Council fast-tracked the initial development permit and waived $8.6 million in infrastructure fees for the project. Cairns Mayor Amy Eden, alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Queensland Premier Steven Miles, attended the site, which was formerly a drive-in theater. The complex will include 245 social, 223 affordable, and 22 specialist disability apartments.
Designed with modern, low-maintenance, and energy-efficient one- and two-bedroom homes, the precinct caters to individuals over 55 and people with disabilities. The development will be surrounded by landscaped gardens and picnic areas, with easy access to transport routes, the Bruce Highway, a shopping center, and the Woree Aquatic Centre.
The project is funded by the State Government’s Housing Investment Fund, along with loans from Housing Australia, the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF), and ANZ, as well as a capital grant from the National Housing Infrastructure Facility. Community Housing Limited (CHL) and Tetris Capital will manage the homes, while FCC Construction Australia and Modscape will handle construction. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, depending on weather and construction conditions.
Source: National Housing Infrastructure Facility