The former retirement village has 85 one-bedroom and 39 two-bedroom units. Photo: Google Maps.
A former retirement village in the Brisbane suburb of Tanah Merah has welcomed its first social housing tenants under the Queensland Government’s Homes for Queenslanders plan.
The former Aveo Freedom Tanah Merah Care Community village – previously known as Tree Tops – was bought from Aveo by the State Government in January this year for $44 million. The 23-hectare site comprises 85 one-bedroom and 38 two-bedroom units, as well as amenities including a pool, commercial kitchen and community centre.
Since the acquisition, the state’s public builder QBuild has been working on the site to make it suitable for public housing, and the government has engaged Churches of Christ Housing Services and YFS to provide tenant support services.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles said his commitment was to provide a safe place to call home.
“My plan to deliver more social and affordable housing is delivering,” he said.
“Here in Logan, there are 124 homes now available for our most vulnerable. These are just some of the more than 550 homes that have been delivered in the area through our housing programs.
“I will do what matters to build even more homes, just like these, in the areas where Queenslanders need housing security.”
Member for Waterford and Queensland Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman said the village would add to another 260-plus either under construction or contracted to be built very soon in Logan.
“As the Member for Waterford I’ve fought hard alongside the Member for Macalister Melissa McMahon to see this property turned into much needed homes for local families and individuals,” she said.
“This is all at risk however, under the LNP who cut social housing when in government and just last year voted against investment in 30,000 social and affordable homes.”
Ms McMahon added, “Together with Shannon, I fought hard to see this place purchased and transformed into social homes.
“Under the LNP this wouldn’t be possible, because they don’t support buying vacant hotels, motels and retirement villages to give people a safe home, sooner.”
One of the first tenants was Terri Taylor who has credited her new home with significant improvements to her health and wellbeing: “I’ve got a whole new lease on life,” she said. “My lovely unit is so sunny and bright, and for me it means peace.
“Everyone helps each other, I’ve made friends, we go out, we share meals – living here is like having brothers and sisters around. And the staff are just brilliant.”
The purchase of the village was funded through the State Government’s $10 billion Housing Investment Fund which has seen other former retirement villages, motels, hotels, and apartment buildings acquired across the state for social housing.
