By Sonia Isaacs
KABI Kabi Aboriginal Corporation is working with the Queensland Government and Coast2Bay Housing Group to deliver new social housing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the hinterland.
The planned complex at 57–59 Beerwah Parade, located near the railway line and Beerwah Hotel, will feature 24 units designed to meet accessibility and liveability standards.
The project builds on the momentum of 70 affordable and social housing units already under construction at the corner of Beerwah Parade and Phipps Street.
Pending council approval, construction is expected to start in late 2025, with completion anticipated by early 2027.
The Beerwah site, acquired by Kabi Kabi Aboriginal Corporation in late 2024, will remain under their ownership and management upon completion. Coast2Bay Housing Group has been appointed as the development manager to oversee the design and construction of the project. Coast2Bay has already lodged amendments to the existing development approval with Sunshine Coast Council to align the project with current Liveable Housing Australia (LHA) standards.
Proposed updates include redesigning the original 24 two-bedroom units into a mix of 8 one-bedroom LHA Gold Units, 8 two-bedroom LHA Gold Units, and 8 two-bedroom LHA Silver Units. Additional upgrades including a central lift, an elevated walkway, and reorienting private outdoor spaces for better accessibility and usability.
Kabi Kabi Aboriginal Corporation General Manager, Grant Cheatham, highlighted the importance of the project in addressing housing needs for the Sunshine Coast Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
“When complete, the units will be home to eligible Kabi Kabi Aboriginal Corporation members with a focus on seniors, members living with a disability and single-parent families,” Mr. Cheatham said.
He noted that this marks the second collaboration with Coast2Bay Housing Group, following an 18-unit project currently under construction in Maroochydore.
Mr. Cheatham said the shared vision, to deliver affordable and safe homes to the most vulnerable members of the community has seen the two organisations working in collaboration for over 12 years.
“The housing crisis since 2021 has skyrocketed, and Kabi Kabi Aboriginal Corporation membership has increased by 25% from people in desperate need of a safe and secure home,” Mr. Cheatham said.
“We all need to continue to work together to address the urgent need for housing.”
The development application amendments submitted to Council in December 2024 include changes to ensure all units meet Liveable Housing Australia (LHA) requirements.
Additionally, the project will now be delivered in a single construction stage rather than being split into phases, with revised designs aiming to improve accessibility and amenity for residents.
Sunshine Coast Council has flagged potential concerns over acoustic impacts, particularly with balconies in the amended design facing the Beerwah Hotel and railway line.
As part of the approval process, an updated Environmental Noise Impact Assessment has been requested to identify noise mitigation measures
The council also noted the need to consider future developments in proximity to the complex, such as the anticipated North Coast Rail Line upgrade.
Kabi Kabi Aboriginal Corporation is an independent, not-for-profit organisation. The corporation, which already owns 26 properties across the Sunshine Coast, focuses on providing affordable homes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, supporting vulnerable community members.
sonia@gcnews.com.au