'Life changing' initiative to close homelessness gap in Queensland

The Queensland government is launching a new initiative aimed at closing the significant gap in homelessness across the state. The program is expected to provide more than 600 places for individuals currently sleeping rough in Queensland. Housing Minister Sam O'Connor has stated that all projects will be identified by the end of the government's term.

Ethan Shrubb, who has experienced homelessness for 18 months while battling addiction, is one of the beneficiaries of this program. Ethan now resides in an inner-Brisbane apartment, where he is pursuing IT studies and working in a warehousing job. He finds his new home invaluable, providing him with a safe place to sleep and the opportunity to build a foundation for his future.

Ethan's journey to stability was facilitated by local community organizations and crisis support services, which secured his housing. The state government aims to replicate Ethan's pathway for hundreds of Queenslanders, focusing on transitional housing in 37 projects statewide. These homes will offer 24/7 on-site specialist support to help tenants find permanent homes in the private market or in social and affordable housing.

Housing Minister Sam O'Connor emphasized that all projects will be identified by the end of the term, though he could not provide specific details on the number of places or the initiative's cost. The initiative is part of the government's record capital program to construct new homes and reinvest funding. O'Connor stated that they will have all projects identified by the end of the term and a significant portion of them under construction, as there is no time to waste.

According to O'Connor, this initiative is for young Queenslanders, families, and individuals, and it will be life-changing. He highlighted that the state government must move beyond merely providing shelter and adopt a more comprehensive approach to homelessness. Aimee McVeigh, the chief executive of the Queensland Council of Social Service, echoed this sentiment, stressing that wrap-around support is crucial to break the cycle of homelessness.

She emphasized the urgent need for more resources to fill the gap in crisis and transitional accommodation.

McVeigh called for more permanent supportive housing models that offer long-term access to support for those in need. She noted that continued investment in the sector is vital as the housing crisis continues unabated. The state government has a commitment to build one million new homes by 2044, with 53,500 designated as social and community homes.

O'Connor stated that the LNP remains focused on achieving this goal and believes the housing crisis is better than halfway through the party's first term. The government's record speaks for itself, with four record quarters of housing construction growth.