By Amanda Wright
In a significant move to address the housing crisis, another 27 modular homes are set to be assembled and delivered to Mackay as part of the state government’s Homes for Queenslanders plan. This initiative aims to provide quick and effective housing solutions for families, individuals, and older Queenslanders looking to downsize.
These modular homes will be constructed in collaboration with Fleetwood and Ausco at their Queensland factories before being transported to four designated sites within the sugar city. A mix of one and two-bedroom homes will be built with enhanced flood resilience to ensure safety and longevity.
Earlier this year, the state government announced it would order 600 more modular homes in partnership with Queensland builders and through the state’s public building arm, QBuild. Modular homes can expedite the transition from temporary accommodations, with on-site construction taking about three months compared to a year for many traditional builds.
Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon visited Mackay on Monday morning to deliver the modular homes announcement. It was also an opportunity for the Labour Party to formally introduce Belinda Hassan as their candidate for the seat of Mackay.
Ms Scanlon emphasised the efficiency of modular homes, saying, “Modular homes are speeding up production and cutting timeframes – especially in regional parts of our state like Mackay – and they’re critical to our Homes for Queenslanders plan to deliver one million more homes."
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert attended the press conference to congratulate Belinda Hassan on her party nomination and to express her enthusiasm for the state government's cost-of-living relief measures, which include $1,300 off power bills, 20% off rego, and 50-cent public transportation fares.
In her final months as the Member for Mackay, Mrs Gilbert was pleased to see proactive action being undertaken to address the homelessness crisis in Mackay.
“These new houses will benefit our community, unlocking supply and creating homes for local families and individuals," Mrs Gilbert said.
"Importantly, they’ll be built with flood resilience in mind and be located close to local schools, services, and transport.”
Belinda Hassan, currently a second-term councillor with Mackay Regional Council and Deputy Mayor, brings a wealth of experience to her candidacy. Having secured the highest number of votes in the local election, she has been a vocal advocate for community issues. During her campaign for the seat of Mackay, she will take leave from her role as Deputy Mayor.
At the time of print, a special meeting was being held by Mackay Regional Council to elect a new Deputy Mayor as Ms Hassan stated that to minimise disruption to council, she wishes to stand down from the role of Deputy Mayor immediately, to take leave for the required period to align with her period as an official candidate.
Addressing comments made on social media about her candidacy, Belinda Hassan said, “I have the community's best interests at heart.
“By taking the opportunity to run for the seat of Mackay, I can advocate for the same people who voted for me in local elections but at a higher level of government, allowing me to push for positive change.
“I came into council with no set agenda, no pet projects, only to represent the community the best I could, and that hasn’t changed.”
Ms Hassan's extensive involvement in various volunteer roles has given her firsthand insight into the homelessness crisis. Before being elected to Council, Belinda served as an after-hours support worker at a domestic violence shelter for women for nine years. Her tenure as Service Manager at the Mackay Women’s Centre further demonstrates her commitment to community welfare.
Ms Hassan said that these modular units would significantly benefit local families.
“Importantly, these modular homes and the social housing units being built in Palmer Street will make way for more families to find safe accommodation.
“There are many older people in our community wanting to downsize but the smaller units aren't available for them. This will pave the way for singles and couples to find more affordable living options while opening up multi-room homes for families, helping people across the region facing homelessness.”
Belinda Hassan, newly announced Labor candidate for Mackay, showcasing the benefits of the upcoming modular homes with Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert congratulates Belinda Hassan on her nomination as the Labor candidate for Mackay
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