• Queensland Government will build 23 new social housing units at Earlville with $8.5 million in funding under QuickStarts Queensland
• Eight, one-bedroom detached houses in Parramatta Park have now been refurbished with $300,000 funding under QuickStarts Queensland
• Both projects delivered in partnership with a local community housing provider

Seniors, especially older women, will be prioritised to move into eight beautifully-refurbished, heritage-listed social housing cottages at Parramatta Park in Cairns.

The Palaszczuk Government partnered with the Access Community Housing Company (ACHC) to refurbish the cottages.

ACHC received $300,000 funding under the QuickStarts Queensland program to help refurbish the cottages, which are currently vacant.

A second project consisting of 16, one-bedroom and seven, two-bedroom units built to Gold or Platinum standard is also expected to start shortly in Earlville.

Also delivered through a partnership with ACHC, the new complex will replace 14 outdated dwellings with new fit-for-purpose accommodation

Quotes attributable to Housing Minister Leeanne Enoch:

“Both of these projects demonstrate the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to work in partnership with community housing providers to revitalise housing stock and create homes for people in need.

“Older Queenslanders, especially women aged over 55, are among the most susceptible to volatility in the private rental market.

“ACHC has taken possession of the refurbished cottages in Parramatta Park and is working with our local housing service centre to find eligible customers from the housing register.

“We are targeting single older women and seniors for these wonderful, historic one-bedroom homes.

“Meanwhile, through the Earlville redevelopment we will improve the amenity of the site for residents and neighbours and increase the site’s capacity to provide better homes for members of the community most in need.

“The Queensland Government will provide more than $8.5 million to deliver the 23 new homes in partnership with ACHC.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Cairns Michael Healy:

“The Grove Street cottages are among the earliest examples of civic funded affordable housing created for seniors in Cairns and through this refurbishment they are still able to play a strong role supporting those most in need,” he said.

“Refurbishment work included works to flooring and roofing in the cottages and improving some of the fixtures and finishes to bring them up to standard.”

“Air conditioning has been installed in each of the cottages and to help preserve the precinct’s heritage value, the timber boundary fence was replaced like for like.

“I am also excited about the Earlville project, which will further increase social housing stock in Cairns.”

Third party quote:

“Access Community Housing works tirelessly to meet the housing needs of low-income households in Cairns and Far North Queensland through the provision of safe, secure and affordable homes, creating opportunities for individuals and families to improve their lives and achieve their goals,” said ACHC Chief Executive Officer Liz Brown.

“We are delighted to have partnered with the Queensland Government in the refurbishment of these heritage cottages which form a well-known landmark in Cairns and a vibrant part of the city’s history.”

“We are also delighted to be working with the Queensland Government to redevelop the Earlville site and see construction of a new apartment complex for social housing in Cairns.”

“At a time of significant housing need in Far North Queensland, these projects are increasing the number of properties available whilst ensuring new, fit-for-purpose accommodation for seniors.”

Explainer/fast fact and or further information:

The Queensland Government is investing $3.9 billion in social and affordable housing – the largest concentrated investment in Queensland’s history.

It includes commencing 2,765 social homes under our QuickStarts Queensland program, of which 255 new social homes will be commenced in the Far North Queensland region by 30 June 2025, through a planned investment of $102.1 million, supporting more than 320 full-time equivalent jobs.

Anyone who needs housing assistance can contact their local Housing Service Centre during hours or call the 24/7 Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753. business

For more information on QuickStarts Queensland, visit:
QuickStarts Qld | Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy (chde.qld.gov.au)