Four, two-bedroom units in Bowen are now under construction thanks to a $3.2 million government grant that was initiated by Bowen Community Centre.
Concerned about the shortage of suitable rental accommodation for working professionals such as doctors, nurses and teachers, the Community Centre decided to take matters into their own hands and apply for the grant.
“It is very difficult to get a rental in Bowen,” said Jacintha Bezgovsek from Bowen Community Centre.
“There is no accommodation for the professionals who service the community.”
The grant will be used to provide accommodation for professionals with the necessary skills to fill the gaps in the labour supply and ensure Bowen has enough front-line workers.
Bowen Community Centre is working with the Department of Education and local Doctors Surgeries and asking them to take the ‘lead’ on the lease to supply the units to their workers.
“Professional workers want a certain standard of building,” added Jacintha.
“And all that thought process has gone into the design of the new buildings.”
Each unit is totally self-contained and located in a gated community right in the centre of town on Kings Street.
Titled the Yaringa Housing Project, it is estimated that construction will take around 12 months.
Bowen Community Centre said it is delighted to reveal that local Bowen builder, Lowcock Builders, has been selected as the successful tenderer for this significant project.
“Their expertise and commitment to quality align perfectly with our vision for this initiative,” said Stephanie Cora from the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre.
The Chairperson of the Bowen Community Centre Christine Coventry added:
"This is what we wanted to achieve, and our motto here at the centre is that every dollar stays in our town."
“This project exemplifies our dedication to reinvesting in our community and ensuring that the benefits of such developments are felt locally.”
“This housing project is a testament to our commitment to providing essential support for the professionals who serve our community tirelessly.”
“We are excited to see the positive impact these new residential units will have on the lives of our frontline and professional workers.”
Funding for this project was announced in the recent State Budget and is part of the Resources Community Infrastructure Fund - Round 3.
The group from Bowen Community Centre and Lowcock Builders standing at the site where the four two-bedroom units will soon stand. Photo supplied
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