‘Keeping workers’: new door opens for affordable housing

A unique affordable housing project is now ready to welcome its first tenants – low-income key workers whose skills will greatly benefit our community and local economy.

The region-first initiative is being delivered by Sunshine Coast Council with the support of the Queensland Government.

The project comprises 22 modular homes located on 11 Council-owned properties at Marcoola. It includes four three-bedroom homes, seven two-bedroom dwellings and 11 one-bedroom homes, that feature decks and outdoor areas providing comfortable and welcoming spaces.

The first eight homes were unveiled on Tuesday, June 17, with the remainder to become available in coming months for eligible, low-income individuals, couples and families.

The affordable homes will be rented at 75 per cent of the market rate and be managed by Coast2Bay Housing Group, a community housing provider.

Queensland Minister for Housing and Public Works, Sam O’Connor, said the project was a great example of what could be achieved through collaboration.

“Through our Securing Our Housing Foundations Plan, we’re delivering more affordable homes where they’re needed most,” Minister O’Connor said.

“I congratulate Sunshine Coast Council for backing this project and Coast2Bay for stepping up to manage it for the community as we work together to give more Sunshine Coast residents a place to call home.”

Project ‘shows the way’

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the Marcoola project opened a new door for affordable housing on the Sunshine Coast.

Mayor Natoli said it was a first for the region and would help support workers and their families by securing affordable, safe and comfortable rental properties for them.

“As we know, the property crunch being experienced across the nation, especially in popular places like the Sunshine Coast, means many low-income workers are being forced to move away.

“We are talking about those workers who contribute to a range of health, aged care, social assistance, retail and hospitality sectors and are so valuable to our community and local economy.

“There is more work to be done to retain our key workers, but this project shows the way.”

Innovative approach applauded

Coast2Bay Housing Group CEO Andrew Elvin said his group was excited to be managing 22 new homes in partnership with Sunshine Coast Council and the Queensland Government.

“The homes will be offered to rent at 74.9 per cent of market rent, offering genuinely affordable solutions for singles, couples and small families working in the local area,” Mr Elvin said.

“We applaud Sunshine Coast Council for seeking innovative approaches to housing.

“By utilising vacant land and a modular prefabrication approach, these homes have been delivered in a shorter time frame compared to traditional construction methods. Ultimately, this provides more rapid outcomes for those in need of affordable homes.”

Mr Elvin said his team had already received more than 200 applications for the Marcoola homes, demonstrating the desperate need for more affordable rental housing in our region.

Member for Maroochydore, Fiona Simpson, said she was proud to mark the local project's milestone.

“This specific project for essential workers is a first for the Sunshine Coast region, and I’m thrilled to have it in the Maroochydore electorate," Minister Simpson said.

“Attracting and keeping key workers in our region is critical and I’m proud to say that the Crisafulli Government, Sunshine Coast Council, and Coast2Bay have worked together to achieve a great outcome for our region.”

Where to next?

The Queensland Government is committed to delivering 53,500 social and community homes by 2044, with a strong focus on partnerships with the community housing sector and unlocking land for community housing projects.

The Queensland Government is delivering a range of initiatives to support social and affordable housing, including through the $2 billion Housing Investment Fund.

Coast2Bay Housing Group is actively working with all levels of Government to try to bring forward more affordable housing supply urgently.

Sunshine Coast Council has successfully secured agreements with the Queensland Government’s Housing Investment Fund and is exploring further opportunities with the Federal Government’s National Housing Accord.

These efforts aim to maximise the delivery of affordable housing through innovative funding and delivery models.