A new affordable housing project in Marcoola has already received more than 200 applications from hopeful tenants.
Coast2Bay Housing Group chief executive officer Andrew Elvin said this demonstrated the desperate need for more affordable rental housing in the region.
“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,” he said.
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.
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. 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 17 June, with the remainder to become available in coming months for eligible, low-income individuals, couples and families.
Queensland Housing and Public Works Minister 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,” Mr 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.”
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,“ she said.
“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.”
