Vacant home to house those in need

A former aged care facility in Rothwell will soon be transformed into homes for Queenslanders in need of housing.

The Rothwell property has been bought by the Queensland Government and will have a $1.6 million refurbishment before tenants arrive at the end of the year.

This will mostly house older Queenslanders, like aged care facilities in Toowoomba, Clayfield and Redland Bay which have also been bought by the State.

The Rothwell site will provide up to 18 units for people in the Moreton Bay region, adding to 58 units at Toowoomba, 37 at Clayfield and 28 at Redlands.

Staff from the Department of Housing and a specialised homelessness service will work onsite with residents to help them get longer-term accommodation.

“Everyone deserves a place to call home, and soon this former aged care facility will provide a home for older Queenslanders experiencing housing stress,” Deputy Premier and State Member for Murrumba Steven Miles said.

“Moreton Bay region is one of the largest and fastest growing regions in the country. A property like this will allow people in need to stay within their community and connected to services.

“This helps vulnerable locals into housing and helps to support them into permanent accommodation.”

Minister for Housing Meaghan Scanlon added: “The housing challenges in Queensland and across the country are unprecedented.

“So, we’re always looking at new and innovative solutions to get Queenslanders into safe and stable housing sooner.

“This site is particularly exciting as we have been able to purchase the building of the former retirement village and vacant adjoining parcel of land that has potential for longer-term development opportunities.

“Not only do we have shovels in the ground building hundreds of homes through our record $5 billion investment in social and affordable housing, but we are purchasing existing facilities like this that would otherwise have been lost.”