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Defence Housing Australia | Dec 04, 2024
Minister for Defence Personnel and Veteran’s Affairs, the Hon Matt Keogh MP announced yesterday an agreement signing between Defence Housing Australia (DHA) and Queensland suppliers to deliver at least 420 new Defence homes in the Townsville region.
The announcement was formalised through a sod turn in Shaw, one of the suburbs set to receive new housing as part of the agreement with local builder, Z&Me Group and developers Maidment Land and Tropical Homes. DHA’s Acting Managing Director, Brett Jorgensen and Board Director, Andrea Galloway were in attendance to highlight the importance of the announcement for the region.
The agreement forms part of DHA’s New Builds Volume Leasing Program (NBVLP) which will expand its housing portfolio through partnering with industry that can deliver volume housing. Dwellings will be sold to investors with long-term DHA leases in place upon construction completion to house Australian Defence Force personnel and their families.
Minister Keogh emphasised the beneficial role that these new homes will play in supporting Defence members and their families.
“Australia’s Defence personnel are our most important capability, so it is vital they and their families are well supported with modern, fit for purpose housing in their local communities.’’ Minister Keogh said.
Townsville’s NBVLP agreements follow an AusTender process and earlier announcement in Western Australia’s Rockingham region in October this year to deliver 550 new homes.
The NBVLP properties will be built across approximately seven suburbs within 30km of Townsville’s Lavarack Barracks, providing a convenient commute for Defence members while bolstering DHA’s existing housing portfolio in Townsville.
Completion of the first dwellings as part of the Townsville NBVLP are expected in the 2025-26 financial year.
Yesterday's announcement coincided with the recent relocation of DHA’s Townsville office, designed to enhance services for the region’s growing Defence personnel presence.
DHA Chair, Dr Robert Lang highlighted the significance of this relocation.
“DHA is planning for this increase in Defence personnel and housing support in the region, and our recent relocation to a new office in Townsville is testament to our commitment of providing quality housing services,” Dr Lang said.
DHA remains committed to addressing Defence housing requirements in Townsville, with plans to explore additional agreements to support the region’s anticipate growth over the next five years.