Part of a Brisbane City Council depot in the city’s north has been sold off to be transformed into sixteen new modular social homes.
Brisbane City Council has partnered with not-for-profit organisation Housing4Change to build new one and two bedroom community homes in Zillmere, by selling 3000sqm of land at 39 Jennings Street.
The remaining 13,600sqm of land at the council depot site will continue to be used for public activities, including sandbag collections during storm season.
The price of the sale has not been disclosed.
Housing4Change will need to submit a development application and deliver the project.
But ratepayers will cover survey and development application costs associated with subdividing the land.
It’s understood the organisation could also become eligible for all infrastructure fees and charges to be waived if they register as an official community housing provider.
The modular construction of the 16 homes is being used to accelerate the development’s completion and to ensure it is cost-effective
At the council meeting on Tuesday, Deputy Mayor Fiona Cunningham said while community housing was primarily the responsibility of the state and federal governments, council was using its surplus land to support the construction of more homes sooner.
She said Housing4Change would help connect the project’s new residents with frontline services such as counselling, education and employment.
“The north side location was selected … because it sits within walking distance of public transport, shops, and important support services,” she said.
“We all want Brisbane residents to live in homes that they can afford without constant financial pressure.
“The only way to improve affordability is to increase housing supply.”
Housing4Change chair Kirsty Rourke said one of the biggest challenges for not-for-profit housing providers was securing well-located land close to transport, essential services, and community infrastructure.
She said council unlocking a site that allowed this housing project to move from concept to reality was vital.
“Our focus is on creating sustainable housing pathways that provide long-term stability, independence, and a strong foundation for the future,” she said.
“Meaningful progress requires strategic collaboration across government, industry, philanthropy, and community organisations to unlock land, funding, and innovative delivery models that would otherwise not be possible.
“Projects like this are an important step in achieving that vision and delivering lasting social impact.”
Cr Cunningham said more than $3m in discounts had been provided to social housing providers to help boost supply.
Council opposition leader Jared Cassidy said Labor had fought for those discounts to support community housing projects, like this one in his ward.
“There’s much more work to be done, and we’ll keep fighting for more homes for every budget in Brisbane,” he said.
“Brisbane’s LNP Council need to pull every lever they can, including affordable housing, inclusionary zoning, and supportive housing in suburban renewal precincts.”