A recently completed apartment complex in Stafford was handed over by Defence Housing Australia (DHA) to the Queensland Department of Housing and Public Works today.
The Hon. Tim Mander, Minister for Housing and Public Works, was on site to accept the keys to the first homes completed on behalf of the Queensland Government from DHA’s Managing Director Peter Howman.
“We are always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to deliver additional social housing and this deal is a perfect example,” Mr Mander said.
“In a Queensland first, DHA is building a total of 17 new social housing dwellings in Stafford and Keperra. In exchange the department will transfer surplus government land to DHA for the purpose of constructing apartments for defence personnel.”
“Developed over two sites, the Stafford apartments include six one-bedroom and five two-bedroom units, including one fully wheelchair adaptable unit.
“Additionally, a $1.17 million development in Keperra consisting of six two-bedroom apartments will be finished by February 2015.”
DHA Managing Director, Mr Peter Howman said ‘the benefit for DHA is that land has been made available to accommodate Defence personnel in the suburbs of Everton Park, Chermside and Stafford which is very well located for Defence members working at nearby Enoggera.’
‘We are very pleased to be working with the Queensland Government to address the housing needs of both organisations. DHA is very experienced in residential development and, like the Queensland Government, we have a long term commitment in the neighbourhoods where we build as we often retain our houses for over 20 years,’ Mr Howman said.