The state government has announced plans for a large accommodation complex with wraparound support for vulnerable young people on the Sunshine Coast.
A youth foyer, including 50 self-contained units, for young people facing housing insecurity is set to be built at a site identified in Maroochydore.
Youth foyers offer people aged 16-25, who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, with stable housing in a supported environment while they learn and earn.
Tenants are required to pay about 25 per cent of their income in rent and receive 24/7 on-site support while they enter education, train or work.
Construction is expected to start in early 2027 and should be completed in late 2028.
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It will be the largest youth foyer in Queensland and one of eight new foyers rolled out across the state.
Construction is progressing on the Cairns Youth Foyer, while design works are well underway for the Moreton Bay Youth Foyer in Redcliffe.
Planning and design work is also underway for youth foyers in Hervey Bay, Brisbane and Ipswich, with final locations to be finalised.
Youth foyers form a key part of the state government’s plan to deliver 53,500 social and community homes by 2044, including expanded pathways for vulnerable cohorts.
Minister for Housing and Public Works Sam O’Connor said youth foyers ensured more young Queenslanders had the support they needed to succeed.
“This will be the largest youth foyer ever delivered in Queensland … it’s time young people have access to the housing support they deserve,” he said.
“These are so much more than just a roof over someone’s head: foyers give young people who are earning or learning the stable foundation they need to build whatever life they aspire to live.
“Housing with wraparound supports is vital to ensure these vulnerable young Queenslanders don’t fall through the cracks and instead have a pathway to a more secure, independent future.”
Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson welcomed plans for the local youth forum.
“This is a fitting milestone for the Sunshine Coast as we celebrate Youth Week,” she said.
“Youth foyers are not only a place to call home for vulnerable young Queenslanders, but they are a safe haven with wraparound support.
“This will be a valued community asset with on-site management to help young people thrive.”
The construction tender is expected to go out during the next few months, with the design being finalised. A tender for a support provider will go out when the complex is near completion. The project is fully funded by the state government.
Medical receptionist Bailey, 22, said she received vital support and made life-long friends during two years living at the Gold Coast Youth Foyer, after experiencing homelessness.
Bailey combines full-time work with study, lives independently and recently spent six weeks volunteering in Nepal as part of her goal to forge a career in humanitarian aid.
“I’m really passionate about advocating for more youth foyers and showing young people who come from difficult backgrounds that their future can still be full of opportunity,’’ she said.
“The foyer for me was a safe, stable place to breathe and recollect my thoughts and make plans after such an unstable childhood.
“It enabled me to go from having a quite low opinion of myself to building up confidence and believing in myself and what I could do.’’
