Construction Commencing on Affordable Housing Project for Essential Service Workers

Longreach Regional Council is commencing construction on a new affordable housing project for essential service workers, made possible through an investment from the Queensland Government’s Housing Investment Fund (HIF).

The project will deliver six new dwellings in Teal Street, including two three-bedroom houses and four two-bedroom units. The initiative will provide much-needed affordable housing to qualifying low-income essential service workers

Mayor Tony Rayner welcomed the commencement of construction, highlighting the positive impact the project will have on the region’s housing diversity.

"This is a proactive step towards strengthening our local workforce and addressing housing pressures in our community” he said. “By providing affordable housing for eligible essential service workers, we’re helping to free up existing rental properties in what is an extremely tight market.”

“We also get a chance to offer housing security to local employees and their families.”

Mayor Rayner also emphasised the economic benefits of the project, noting that all construction work will be undertaken by local contractors, led by Neuendorf Constructions.

"Not only does this project add much-needed housing stock, but it also supports local jobs and keeps investment circulating in our region," he said.

“This initiative reflects Council’s commitment to innovative, long-term solutions that strengthen the region’s liveability and economic resilience.”

The project is one of a growing number awarded under the government’s $2 billion Housing Investment Fund. Sam O’Connor, Minister for Housing and Public Works, said the fund is designed to get new homes built, rather than buy existing homes.

“The Housing Investment Fund allows us to partner with local councils to deliver more projects, ensuring Queenslanders in remote communities have access to affordable housing in the places they want to live.

“The Crisafulli Government is committed to directing every dollar of the Housing Investment Fund towards building new social and affordable homes to increase overall supply instead of buying existing dwellings like the former government.” 

Local member Sean Dillon, Member for Gregory, said the project is good news for the Longreach community.

“It’s fantastic news for the Longreach community that the Crisafulli Government’s Housing Investment Fund is supporting this project as it moves into construction.

“These six homes will provide much-needed affordable housing for essential service workers employed by Longreach Regional Council.”