The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to providing more affordable housing options to help Tasmanians in need, including young people at risk of homelessness.
Today I toured a wonderful new youth supported accommodation facility in Devonport. The service will provide support to 25 young people aged 16 to 24 on low incomes, or who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Part of a $7.26 mill redevelopment of the former student accommodation at the Devonport TAFE campus, the centre will include five purpose built units for young people living with disability who are under the NDIS. A further four are adaptable if needed.
The centre will also provide communal areas such as lounges, kitchen and dining rooms, consulting rooms for visits and a caretakers residence.
Local community leaders have committed to working with the centre's service provider Anglicare to give young residents access to work experience and employment opportunities.
Under the service model, young people will be empowered to develop independent living skills, address issues of disadvantage and shape their own future.
The Tasmanian Government has been working collaboratively with Against Homelessness Limited (AAH) regarding establishing a social enterprise, called Loaves and Fishes Tasmania at the Devonport site.
We have committed $700,000 to support Loaves and Fishes to produce ready-to-eat meals for people in need from donated food within the facility kitchen. The business will provide training and employment opportunities as well as generating additional revenue for the centre.
Jobs remain the Hodgman Liberal Government’s number one priority, and this centre is another demonstration of that commitment. Not only will the supported accommodation facility put a roof over the head of young people in need, it will also assist them to become job ready.
In particular, I’d like to thank Royce Fairbrother for his involvement since the very beginning. Mr Fairbrother, came to us with an initial vision for the centre focusing on youth at risk and has been an integral part of the project throughout its construction. I would also like to congratulate both 6ty° who designed the subdivision and Loop Architecture who designed the youth accommodation.
The facility is expected to open its doors in May.
Building more housing for those in need is a major focus for our Government and the funding for this project is on top of our $73.5 million being spent under our Affordable Housing Action Plan.
For more information on our Affordable Housing Action Plan and initiatives go to: www.housing.tas.gov.au