Roger Jaensch,Minister for Housing
In a significant step to increase the availability of supported accommodation for Tasmanians in need, the Hodgman majority Liberal Government has entered into an agreement to purchase the property known as The Waratah Hotel in Hobart.
Once upgraded, the facility will offer long term accommodation with on-site specialist services for residents.
We anticipate that the facility will accommodate around 24 en suite units that will be most suitable to those who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, and require supported accommodation.
It is intended to operate on a similar basis to supported accommodation facilities across the State, such as Bilton Lodge, that have been offering stable, supported accommodation for over 10 years and have achieved excellent outcomes for residents.
Upon settlement, detailed plans to refurbish the site will be developed and submitted through the normal Council processes.
We expect the facility will be opened in 2020.
Developments such as this are an important part of the Hodgman majority Liberal Government's Affordable Housing Strategy which invests almost $200 million over 8 years, the largest ever investment into affordable housing in Tasmania's history.
