- Construction has started on a 75-unit social and affordable home project in Toowoomba.
- Delivered in partnership between Queensland Government, BHC and QIC.
- Almost 500 social and affordable homes in the Darling Downs housing pipeline.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start and a place to call home for more Queenslanders.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a place to call home for more Queenslanders in Toowoomba, with 75 new social and affordable homes officially under construction.
The 75-unit project in Toowoomba is underway after the Crisafulli Government fast-tracked approvals for the project to unlock more well-located homes in the region.
It's just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start for Queensland and a better lifestyle through a stronger economy.
The Crisafulli Government is partnering with BHC and QIC to deliver the complex that will include new social, affordable and market homes in the heart of Toowoomba.
The project is funded by the Crisafulli Government with financing through Housing Australia and the Australian Retirement Trust.
The project includes 25 social homes for eligible people from the social housing register, 25 affordable homes for lower-income essential workers, plus 25 market rent homes.
The development will deliver a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units within two residential buildings and the homes are designed to be accessible for seniors and people with mobility needs.
The Toowoomba units are among almost 500 social and affordable homes in construction or under contract to be delivered across the Darling Downs region.
Minister for Housing and Public Works Sam O'Connor said the project would help meet the need for more affordable housing options in the fast-growing regional city.
"Community housing providers like BHC are vital partners in delivering more social and affordable homes across Queensland," Minister O'Connor said.
"This is exactly the kind of project we want to see more of - a diverse mix of safe, secure and affordable homes close to shops, services and public transport.
"We've already got almost 500 hundred homes underway across the Darling Downs region and our record $5.6 billion statewide investment over the next four years into social and community housing will ensure more are on the way.
"We recently launched our nation-leading Queensland Community Housing Investment Pipeline which will allow community housing providers across our state to submit projects for consideration for funding at any time.
"Our always-on procurement model will build a long-term pipeline of community housing construction to help even more vulnerable Queenslanders by delivering more social and community housing where it's needed most."
Member for Toowoomba North Trevor Watts said it was great to see priority being placed on providing much needed housing for the region.
"High-density social housing in our CBD is vital because it keeps vulnerable Queenslanders close to transport, jobs, and essential support services that help them stay connected to the community."
Senator for Queensland Corinne Mulholland said the project showed what could be achieved when all levels of government and the community housing sector work together to tackle Australia's housing challenges.
"The Albanese Government is delivering the most ambitious housing reform agenda Australia has seen in decades, including the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund, which will help build tens of thousands of new social and affordable homes for Australians who need them most," Senator Mulholland said.
"This project in Toowoomba is a great example of that vision in action with governments, investors and community housing providers working hand in hand to deliver secure, affordable homes close to jobs, transport and essential services."
BHC Acting CEO, Jamie Muchall said the project in Toowoomba was a shining example of what could be achieved through strong partnerships.
"We are excited to be joining the Toowoomba community and delivering an innovative mix of market, affordable and social homes in the heart of the city," Mr Muchall said.
"Delivered by the BHC-QIC Consortium with funding support from the Queensland Government and financing from ART and Housing Australia, this project goes a small but meaningful way to improving affordability for people living in Toowoomba."
QIC Real Estate Managing Director Deborah Coakley said Queensland was leading the way for institutional investment in social and affordable housing.
"This development further demonstrates that with the right structure and partnerships, private capital can play a meaningful role in innovative, long-term solutions to housing challenges," Ms Coakley said.
"QIC is proud to have co-created a financing model that aligns community needs, investor objectives and record Queensland Government investment to deliver up to 600 new homes, including 75 here in Toowoomba."
Construction is due for completion in mid-2027, with tenanting to start soon after.
