COVID-19: New social housing complex supports people in Rockhampton
- Published:
- 18 August 2020 1:23PM
A new social housing complex in Rockhampton is providing homes for those impacted by COVID-19, and other Queenslanders requiring housing assistance.
The nearly $4.2 million complex includes 12 one-bedroom and 4 two-bedroom apartments, for singles, couples and families.
Rockhampton Housing Service Centre Area Manager Michelle said 13 tenants had already moved in, with the remaining allocations staggered to manage COVID-19 restrictions.
“We are allocating tenants gradually to allow them to settle in and reduce the traffic on the site due to social distancing requirements,” Michelle said.
“The completion of the building was well timed as it allowed us to immediately house 4 people who applied for emergency housing assistance as a result of COVID-19.
Louise* and her daughter recently moved to the new complex after staying in crisis accommodation for 2weeks.
“Our new home is absolutely amazing, it’s incredible to have my own space. It’s brand new and it looks beautiful,” Louise said.
Michelle said that the remaining tenants will be allocated from the social housing register. The complex will provide social housing options for people with a variety of needs.
“We will have a diverse make-up of tenants, including males, females, couples and a single parent family,” Michelle said.
“The complex can also cater for seniors, or those with a disability, as it has two platinum level units that cater for those who mobilise in a wheelchair, four gold level units that provide ground level access, wider hallways and the provision for grab rails and two wheelchair accessible carparks.
“The feedback from tenants has been positive, and they’re enjoying the generous size of the units and the fact they all have covered balconies.
“We don’t yet have a name for the complex, so are looking forward to doing that soon, in conjunction with our local community.”
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*Name changed for privacy reasons.
