The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) has expressed support for the State Government’s plans to fast-track three social and affordable housing projects on the Gold Coast.
REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella highlighted the importance of the 200-unit Southport Supportive Accommodation project in protecting vulnerable community members.
“There’s a growing awareness of the current prevalence of homelessness in our community and the pressure that’s placing many more Queenslanders at risk,” Ms Mercorella said.
She noted that the Gold Coast’s rental market vacancy rate was just 1.3 per cent during the quarter, with the affordable end of the market being even more competitive.
Ms Mercorella emphasised the far-reaching impacts of homelessness on individuals and the community.
“We can all appreciate that not having shelter, no place to call home at the end of the day, is something that significantly infiltrates and detracts from every aspect of someone’s life,” she said.
The REIQ CEO praised the use of the Housing Investment Fund to finance a 159-home project in Southport, which is set to include 63 social and 96 affordable units.
She also commended a 60-home project in Nerang, developed in partnership with Vinnies, which will deliver 50 social homes and 10 affordable homes.
Ms Mercorella stressed the importance of such initiatives in addressing the current housing supply shortage.
“Given the housing supply shortage we’re facing, every new home should be welcomed as a step in the right direction and even more so when it’s targeted housing for our most vulnerable,” she said.
The REIQ reiterated its support for social housing and called on the government to strengthen this safety net through projects like these.