General News
15 September, 2025
New digs for vulnerable
A NEW social housing complex has officially opened in Earlville, delivering 30 much-needed homes for vulnerable Queenslanders.
The development, a partnership between the Queensland Government and Access Community Housing Company, has transformed the former Leichhardt Motel site on Mulgrave Road into 20 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom apartments.
Access Community Housing CEO Aidan Lang said the new homes would provide long-term stability for people who needed it most.
“These units represent stability, security and dignity,” he said.
“They are designed to be safe, accessible and supportive of people’s needs, particularly seniors, people living with disability and First Nations people.
“Most of these units are already filled, with the rest set to be occupied in the coming days.
“While this one project won’t solve everything, it does make a significant difference, and we remain committed to delivering more housing projects across Cairns.”
The new apartments have been built to gold and platinum standards under the Livable Housing Design Guidelines, ensuring step-free access, wheelchair-friendly layouts and accessible bathrooms.
Member for Barron River and assistant minister for Far North Queensland Bree James said the project was an example of how government and community housing providers could work together to deliver results.
“Our government has committed $5.6 billion to social and community housing over the next four years, the biggest ever investment in Queensland,” she said.
“This development shows what real delivery looks like.
“Every Queenslander deserves a safe roof over their head and projects like this help ease the housing pressures facing our region.
“I’d like to see more of these developments across Far North Queensland, including in places like Kuranda.”
Access Community Housing is already preparing proposals for new projects under the state’s latest housing funding round, including an 80-unit development on land leased from Cairns Regional Council.
With more than 2000 people on the social housing waiting list in Cairns, demand remains high.
“It’s so exciting to see 30 new homes here, but we know there’s still a long way to go,” Ms James said.
“This is 10 months of delivery after 10 years of inaction, and it’s just the beginning of what we want to achieve.”
