The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) is welcoming the State Government’s focus on accelerating three social and affordable housing projects on the Gold Coast.

REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said the 200-unit Southport Supportive Accommodation project was a particularly important initiative to protect the most vulnerable in our community.

“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,” she said.

“Our latest vacancy rate report shows that the Gold Coast’s rental market is sitting at just 1.3 per cent vacant during the quarter, however, we know that it’s the affordable end of the market that’s even more competitive.

“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.

“There are myriad benefits for the entire community when chronic homelessness is addressed with a concerted focus and innovative housing models such as this are exactly what we need.”

Ms Mercorella said 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.

“It’s great to see the Housing Investment Fund being used to fund a 159-home project at Southport that is proposed to include 63 social and 96 affordable units,” she said.

“Equally, the 60-home project with Vinnies will see 50 social homes and 10 affordable homes delivered in Nerang providing much-needed housing and support to those that need it most.

“The REIQ is a committed supporter of the vital role social housing plays in the community and as much as possible, Government needs to strengthen this safety net with important projects like this.”

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