New homes for remote and First Nations communities in Qld

Construction is underway on seven new homes in Yarrabah, south of Cairns in Queensland as part of the State Government’s $242.2 million plan to deliver better housing in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Local Government Areas. 

In Yarrabah seven modular homes, all with three or four bedrooms, are currently being installed and are expected to be completed by the end of this month.

A 34-lot residential land subdivision in Napranum will support the delivery of 38 new social homes and the first stages of a 22-lot residential land subdivision in Woorabinda.

The community of Yarrabah, south of Cairns in far north Queensland.

The Government has stated its commitment to expand opportunities for home ownership in Queensland’s indigenous communities earlier in the year by launching a rent-to-buy model through the Palm Island Home Ownership Scheme.

This scheme, delivered in partnership with the Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council is unlocking home ownership pathways in one of Queensland’s discrete communities.

Housing and Public Works Minister Sam O’Connor.

Housing and Public Works Minister Sam O’Connor said unlocking housing and boosting homeownership in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is a priority.

“Projects like this one at Yarrabah are vital to meeting the need for social housing for people in First Nations communities who are waiting for a place to call home,” he said.

Support for home ownership

“We’re committed to building new homes and upgrading existing housing in First Nations remote and discrete communities and promoting pathways to improve housing equity and support home ownership.”

“This includes working with local leaders to develop new home ownership pathways, including collaborating with Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council to finalise the Rent-to-Buy scheme that offers First Nation peoples the opportunity to enter home ownership by purchasing their social housing property.”

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson.

“While we have locked-in a record pipeline for social and community housing and are delivering more homes sooner, there is much more to be done to deliver a place to call home for more First Nations Queenslanders, and we remain committed to delivering the fresh start we promised.”

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson said improved access to secure housing for Queensland’s First Peoples was critical to wellbeing and dignity.

“The Government is committed to Closing The Gap by delivering projects which provide measurable improvements in housing, as well as health and education,” Minister Simpson said.

“It is great to see these modular homes built locally in Cairns and used to give residents of Yarrabah the dignity of a roof over their heads.

“During a decade of decline under Labor, Queensland’s Closing The Gap targets in key areas went backwards, and the former government abandoned regional and discrete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.”