A key step has been taken towards a new youth housing facility on the Sunshine Coast, with a construction tender now open for the apartment project.
The Sunshine Coast Youth Foyer will be built in Maroochydore, and once completed, will provide 50 self-contained units for vulnerable young Queenslanders aged 16 to 25 facing housing insecurity, with stable housing in a supported living environment while they are learning and earning.
Tenants will be required to pay about 25 per cent of their income in rent and will receive 24/7 on-site support while they complete education, training or work.
New youth foyers will also be delivered in Brisbane, Ipswich, Moreton Bay, Hervey Bay, Toowoomba, Rockhampton and Cairns, on top of existing foyers in Townsville, Logan and on the Gold Coast.
This housing, with support built-in, forms a key part of the state government’s commitment to deliver 53,500 social and community homes by 2044.
Minister for Housing Sam O’Connor said it was a big step towards delivering housing support for young people across the Sunshine Coast.
“Young Queenslanders can’t get ahead if they don’t have a safe place to call home, and this is about delivering that place to call home for them,” he said.
“We’re getting on with the job of delivering a new Youth Foyer on the Sunshine Coast, giving at-risk young Queenslanders the stability, support and opportunities they need to finish their education and or training, or get into work and build independent lives.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for builders to work with us and be involved in a project that will change lives.”
Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson said the local youth foyer would provide a safe haven with wraparound support for vulnerable young people.
“Our new youth foyer will give young people in our region a place to call home and the support they need to stay in education, find a job, and learn the skills they need to build a brighter future,” she said.
“With the construction tender now open, the project remains on track for delivery with construction to start next year, ahead of completion in 2028.
A public notification process for the youth foyer is also underway to allow people to have their say on the project. For more on the process, see public housing developments.
Like stories that inform, connect and celebrate the Sunshine Coast? So do we. Join an independent local news revolution by subscribing to our FREE daily news feed at the bottom of this article.
