Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni today (Wednesday) launched a new service for public housing tenants at a Greenslopes complex which has undergone a much-needed $4m upgrade.
Speaking at the Vine Street complex comprising 63 units for seniors, Mr de Brenni said TenantConnect would give tenants greater opportunities to have their say about the services being delivered by the Palaszczuk Government.
Mr de Brenni said the new program would allow the 108,000 people living in public housing across the State "to become involved in activities which built their skills, confidence and community connections".
"For generations, our tenants have always expressed a desire to be involved in decisions about their housing and neighbourhood – and TenantConnect is reinstating that after it was wound up under the former Newman LNP Government," Mr de Brenni said.
"TenantConnect fulfils the objectives of our Queensland Housing Strategy 2017-2020 Action Plan to build safe, caring and connected communities.
"The Palaszczuk Government respects our tenants and we think they can once again help us shape the future of housing services in Queensland, just as they did a generation ago.
"If they have any ideas on how we can improve our service delivery – whether that be housing design, safety and security, or streamlining access for the most vulnerable – this program delivers that avenue."
Mr de Brenni said the renovations were delivering much more than modern homes.
"A big plus is the community connection the process creates, overcoming isolation, which in some cases can be debilitating for elderly Queenslanders," he said.
Member for Greenslopes Joe Kelly said tenants had "been given a voice" during the recent refurbishment of the four-level Vine Street complex.
"All 63 tenants had their say about what needed fixed in the building, by forming a committee to help design the complex," Mr Kelly said.
"They asked for a car park each, basic security and the type of communal areas new buildings come with as standard - and the new complex delivers, including eight new car parks (including an ambulance bay), communal lighting and improved gardens."
Tenant Bruce Cole said residents felt "grateful and empowered".
"We now have a beautiful, welcoming complex with outdoor areas that are making a big difference to people getting together and socialising," he said.
"Even though the upgrade is complete, we still have regular meetings with the department where we can discuss our concerns."
Tenants can get more information and take part in an online survey at www.qld.gov.au/tenantconnect or share their stories and ideas by emailing [email protected]
