HOUSING Minister Sam O’Connor has launched the construction of a $14 million social housing development in Beerwah amid mounting demand for affordable housing across the Sunshine Coast.
The project will see 24 architect-designed homes house up to 40 residents at 57 Beerwah Pde by the end of next year.
The partnership between the Queensland Government, Coast2Bay Housing Group, Badge Constructions, and the Kabi Kabi Aboriginal Corporation, was hailed as a key step in addressing the region’s social housing shortfall.
Social housing currently makes up only 2.6 per cent of dwellings on the Sunshine Coast, compared with the state average of 4 per cent, prompting calls for a more equitable spread of projects across hinterland towns including Maleny.
Speaking at the launch last Wednesday, attended by Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli and Division 1 Councillor Jenny Broderick, Minister O’Connor acknowledged community concern over the concentration of social housing in Beerwah but defended the government’s approach.
“This is a great location here, close to the train station, shops and services, exactly where you want to be having housing projects like this,” he said.
“These homes are built to a gold standard of accessibility and will support older Queenslanders who can age in place.
“People are often surprised by how beautiful and high-quality these homes are—they’re not what most people imagine when they think of social housing.”
The Minister also praised Coast2Bay Housing Group for its management expertise. “If issues arise, they’re dealt with quickly and professionally. We really want to keep supporting projects like this,” he said.
Mayor Natoli welcomed the new development but highlighted the ongoing need across the hinterland.
“Council has been advocating for years for a fairer spread of affordable housing, not just in Beerwah but right across the hinterland,” she said.
Kabi Kabi Aboriginal Corporation General Manager Grant Cheatham said the organisation was proud to partner on the project, which will provide “safe, secure and affordable homes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the Sunshine Coast.”
Coast2Bay CEO Andrew Elvin confirmed the organisation is exploring additional land across the region to support future builds.
“This project is part of our pipeline of 177 dwellings due over the next two years, with more in the approval process,” he said.
“We’re very aware of the growing demand across the hinterland.”
When asked about future housing in Maleny and surrounding towns, Minister O’Connor said he was “open to proposals” but gave no firm commitments.
“We’ll take that feedback on board and look at other opportunities moving forward,” he said, reaffirming the government’s broader commitment to a “salt and pepper” approach to social housing distribution.
