Planning applications have been lodged for what could be Queensland’s largest social and affordable housing precinct.
Four hundred and ninety new social, affordable and specialist disability homes are on the cards for Woree, between Cairns’ southern corridor and inner-city suburbs.
It’s particularly aimed at seniors who are seeking to downsize and would be able to enjoy supported independent living, while freeing up under-occupied social homes for larger households.
Plans feature modern, low maintenance and energy efficient one and two-bedroom homes, set among landscaped gardens, picnic grounds, BBQs and playgrounds.
The Queensland Government is now considering an application from project proponents Community Housing Qld Limited and Tetris Capital through the government’s signature $2 billion Housing Investment Fund.
The site is connected to the Bruce Highway via the newly upgraded arterial road Des Chalmers Drive on the eastern boundary. Directly adjoining the property on the southern boundary is a local shopping centre and the Woree Aquatic Centre.
The location offers direct access to the Cairns Bus Transit network at the eastern front of the property with two newly constructed bus stops servicing five bus routes.
This development is on top of the 1600 homes already approved under the Housing Investment Fund.
Speaker of the Queensland Parliament and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said the proposed development has the potential to provides homes for hundreds of seniors in Cairns.
“The proposed development will be a fully master-planned community of one and two-bedroom units, located close to medical facilities, community services, shopping and transport.”
Community Housing Limited State Manager Alicia Follent said the contemporary, high-quality social and affordable homes are a long-term investment and will serve as a community conscious development for seniors and those living with disability, enabling them to comfortably age in place.
“These homes will be transformative, providing life-changing opportunities for residents to age in place while remaining closely connected to local services, transport, and their community.”