PALASZCZUK GOVERNMENT LISTENS TO TOWNSVILLE ON YOUTH FOYER

Pimlico TAFE has been announced as the preferred location for Townsville’s much-needed Youth Foyer.

Mundingburra MP Coralee O’Rourke said she had been working with the Minister for Housing and Public Works on the new location after it was suggested by Townsville locals during community consultation earlier this year.

“I raised my concerns with the Minister after local residents told me the former site in Aitkenvale was unsuitable for a development of the scale proposed and, after a period of consultation, he agreed,” she said.

“The TAFE campus certainly ticks all the right boxes – it’s close to education and training centers, public transport as well as around-the-clock support services that will help put Foyer residents on the path to independence,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said the Youth Foyer would give young people at risk of homelessness a helping hand.

“Youth Foyers are internationally renowned as successful pathways for young people at risk, to gain education and employment with a safe, secure roof over their heads,” said Mr de Brenni.

“These young people are unable to live with their families for a range of reasons, including overcrowding, isolation and domestic and family violence.

“One of the ways we will reduce homelessness in Townsville is by giving young people a helping hand while they study or work to one day have a place of their own,” he said.

“We are committed to helping them become confident, strong and skilled by teaching them the rights and responsibilities of being a tenant and giving them every chance for success.”

Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman said the existing masterplan was now being reviewed for the Pimlico TAFE campus.

“Pimlico TAFE is set to be a state of the art training precinct that will benefit the whole community,” she said.

“The Youth Foyer will provide wrap around support for young people in Townsville to help them towards a pathway into work or training, setting them up for a bright future.”

Mr de Brenni said the Townsville Youth Foyer would comprise 40 self-contained apartments with adequate car-parking, office and administration spaces.

“The Youth Foyer will provide young people aged between 16 and 25 years with safe and secure, independent living in a supported environment,” he said.

The Queensland Government committed to building new Youth Foyers in Townsville and on the Gold Coast, as well as expanding its successful facility at Logan, as part of the $1.8 billion Queensland Housing Strategy.

“The Queensland Government is totally transforming the way housing services are delivered,” said Mr de Brenni.

“Of course, there will be further positive flow-on effects from this construction activity across the broader Townsville region – the benefits will be felt right through the building supply chain and beyond.”

The department is progressing a design for the previously identified site at 31-33 Elizabeth Street, Aitkenvale and will be discussing this with adjoining and nearby residents in the coming weeks.

For more information on the successful Youth Foyer model, please visit the Department of Housing and Public Work’s website here: www.hpw.qld.gov.au/Housing/PartnershipInitiatives/YouthFoyers/Pages/default.asp