Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard has praised a Queensland Government decision to build a multi-level social housing complex in the Ipswich CBD.

“It is important to increase the stock of social and affordable homes available to Ipswich to meet the needs of this growing community,” Ms Howard said.

“Our population is expected to grow by 110,000 people over 10 years to 2027 which will seen an increased demand for social housing.”

Ms Howard said the development will provide around 20 new social homes – 15 one-bedroom and five two-bedroom units – to help Ipswich families and individuals in need. It will be located on the corner of East and Roderick Streets in the Ipswich city centre.

 “It is close to support services, public transport and opportunities for continuing education and employment.

 “The design is contemporary and attractive and has taken into account Ipswich City Council criteria for providing pedestrian shade and shelter at street level.

“Importantly, the is project will provide jobs for around 270 construction workers.

 “I'm also pleased to note that tradies working on site will be covered by Project Bank Accounts, ensuring they are paid what they are owed on time every time.”

The $8.17 million estimated budget for this complex is expected to have a ripple effect through our local economy.

Through the Housing Construction Jobs Program (HCJP), the Queensland Government has committed $103 million to build 383 new social homes in the Ipswich region by 2022.

“This investment will support the equivalent of 59 full-time industry jobs each year.

“To date, HCJP has committed funds to support more than 1400 jobs across the state – jobs for builders, carpenters, electricians, concreters, plumbers, floor layers, glaziers and cabinet-makers and, importantly, for apprentices too.

“These new construction projects demonstrate how the $1.8 billion Queensland Housing Strategy is totally transforming the way housing services are delivered across the state.”