The task of housing the homeless has received a kick-start with the announcement of a unique affordable housing project for inner Brisbane.

The $22-million dollar development in Fortitude Valley is expected to be completed by early next year.

Rebecca Belsham reports.

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It’s the most ambitious project incorporating affordable housing ever attempted in Brisbane.

For the first time not only will there be a mix of residential units but personal support, training and employment programs
all housed under the one roof.

Eighty-three units will be built on the top eight storeys of the proposed 10 storey building

Tanya Plibersek, Federal Minister for Housing: “Twenty eight of these units will be set aside for young people and the Australian red cross will be here to help them with all of the life skills they will need to be living on their own.”

The new service, a first for the Red Cross here, took five years to plan.

Matthew Cox, Red Cross Australia: “We know that if you package good quality accommodation with support services you get the result”

The project is funded by the Brisbane Housing Company, the Lord Mayor’s Community Trust and the Federal Government.

There are more than 2,000 homeless people in Brisbane’s CBD.

While many can find temporary refuge in emergency accommodation around three hundred and fifty people are forced to rough it on Brisbane streets every night.

Lord Mayor Campbell Newman says the city needs more affordable housing.

Campbell Newman, Lord Mayor of Brisbane: “We need to make sure that as this city prospers that people don’t get left behind, that everybody has a legitimate place in this city regardless of their economic means.”

And more good news today for the city’s homeless population.

This time, Minister Plibersek teamed with her State counterpart Karen Struthers to announce a 146-unit and support services development on the old Gambaro Seafood Market site in South Brisbane.

Rebecca Belsham, QUT News