Big housing build to deliver 490 homes

Work is planned to start next week on Queensland’s biggest ever social and affordable housing project.

The big housing build will deliver 490 homes in Woree.

It’s aimed at older people who are looking to downsize from their current home, and in turn free up larger homes for families.

Cairns Regional Council expedited the initial development permit for this project and waived $8.6 million in infrastructure charges.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden joined Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Queensland Premier Steven Miles at the old drive-in site today.

“It’s been a long time in the making but I’m thrilled at today’s announcement that the old drive-in site will be transformed to deliver such a significant boost to our housing supply," Mayor Eden said.

“All levels of government worked together to make this happen, along with a range of council staff and professionals in the planning, construction and engineering industries.

“Cairns desperately needs more housing stock and this project is a massive step in the right direction.”

The complex will include 245 social, 223 affordable and 22 specialist disability apartments.

The purpose-built, architecturally-designed precinct features modern, low maintenance and energy efficient one and two-bedroom homes for people over 55 and those with disability and is set among landscaped gardens and picnic grounds.

The Woree site has direct access to transport routes, the Bruce Highway, local shopping centre and the Woree Aquatic Centre.

The project is being funded through the Miles Government’s Housing Investment Fund, as well as lending from Housing Australia, the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) and ANZ as well as a capital grant from the National Housing Infrastructure Facility.

Community Housing Limited (CHL) and Tetris Capital are joining forces to deliver and manage the homes with construction undertaken by FCC Construction Australia and Modscape.

Adopting innovative construction methodologies, FCC Construction Australia will be joined by local modular housing supplier Modscape to help deliver the impressive package of works, with most of the materials and labour planned to be Australian sourced.

Once complete and tenanted, CHL will provide onsite staff and work with support partners to deliver lifestyle programs aimed at reducing social isolation and encouraging active lifestyles.

Construction is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2026, weather and construction conditions permitting.