New housing complex opens

Above: From left - Cr Karl Winchester, Mayor Peter Flannery, State Minister for Housing Sam O Connor, State Member for Redcliffe Kerri Anne Dooley, BHC Acting CEO Jamie Muchall, Federal Member for Petrie Emma Comer and Deputy Mayor Jodie Shipway.

A new social and affordable housing complex has been officially opened in Redcliffe - and more are on the way.

Residents have already started moving in to the Brisbane Housing Company (BHC) project providing 82 new homes at 99 Sutton St.

City of Moreton Bay waived more than $1 million in infrastructure charges and development fees to help tackle homelessness and housing affordability.

The complex was also built as part of the State Government’s Housing Investment Fund to provide secure housing for vulnerable older residents in the area.

Mayor Peter Flannery said the community housing is the first completed project using Council’s Attraction of Affordable Social Housing Development Policy.

“Our policy settings and investment are paying off as they incentivise community housing providers and developers to work together by waiving up to 100 per cent of Council fees and charges in well located and serviced areas,” he said.

“The affordable housing at 99 Sutton St is another example of a collaborative approach towards Council’s commitment to achieving an end to homelessness.

“It’s fantastic to see residents moving into 99 Sutton St, built to provide long-term, high-quality affordable housing for older people in the area, including those experiencing rental stress.”

Since launching its policy two years ago, Council has waived $2.27 million in fees and charges and is considering more taking it to over $4 million.

Social and affordable housing projects in Deception Bay and Mango Hill have been approved and others are under assessment.

“We are delivering more social and community homes in every corner of Queensland," State Minister for Housing and Public Works Sam O’Connor said, "including 551 social and affordable homes now under contract or under construction in the City of Moreton Bay.

“Projects like this at Redcliffe are critical to meeting the need for social and community housing for Moreton Bay locals waiting for a place to call home.”

BHC’s Acting CEO Jamie Muchall said waiving infrastructure and development fees by Council was instrumental in "bringing this project to life” by "removing barriers and accelerating delivery".

Cr Karl Winchester (Div 6) added: “When people are able to downsize locally, it also helps free up larger homes for other families.”