In an attempt to help alleviate an unprecedented acceleration in homelessness in the area, three parcels of Council-owned land, located at Morayfield in Caboolture, will be offered to community housing specialists for social, affordable, and crisis housing development.
Responding to the growing homelessness crisis, the City of Moreton Bay has taken a bold step towards addressing the issue. Announced recently, three parcels of council-owned land, located at 33 Oakey Flat Road, Morayfield, and 72 and 74 Cox Street, Caboolture, will be offered to community housing specialists for social, affordable and crisis housing development.
The three vacant parcels of land will be subject to planning scheme requirements. By the end of the year, an expression of interest will be released, inviting registered not-for-profit community housing providers or specialist homelessness services to participate in this initiative. Under a 50-year exclusive use arrangement, the selected providers will receive a peppercorn lease to develop and maintain the site.
Mayor Peter Flannery noted that the face of homelessness has already evolved which now encompasses a diverse range of individuals, including parents with young children, grandmothers, and even professionals. This, he said, highlights the critical need for additional support services to help those who have fallen into homelessness.
“Changing City of Moreton Bay’s Community Leasing Policy means we can lease council-owned land that is not needed right now, for the purpose of community housing that can put a roof over the heads of locals doing it tough,” Mayor Flannery said.
“We’re hoping this will see specialist providers interested enough to work with us to develop, maintain and manage these sites for crisis, social or affordable housing.”
President Sharin Geeves of Caboolture Community Action, a local volunteer group and homelessness support provider, commended the City Council’s action.
President Sharin Geeves said that any initiative that is aimed at addressing homelessness is welcome, especially in light of the increasing need for more support services such as food relief, housing assistance and referrals.
Cr Adam Hain, representing Division 3, pointed out that the social housing system has not been able to keep up with the growing demand and has unfortunately led to an increasing number of homeless people. He called upon community leaders and providers to work together to help address the issue of homelessness
Published 11-October-2023
