16 May 2024
DHA Heeds Call to Build New Homes in Townsville
After almost a year of advocacy by Federal Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson for more homes to accommodate incoming defence personnel in Townsville, developers are being called upon to express their interest in building 500 new houses.
Defence Housing Australia have begun looking for a contractor to build 500 new homes in Townsville, which are expected to house the 500+ troops and their families who will call the city home in 2025.
Phillip Thompson said the announcement was a win for our garrison city.
“We have been calling for new housing since the day the Defence restructure was announced and finally we’re seeing some action,” he said.
“I’ve said from the beginning, we have land available, we just needed a plan to get it opened up and construction to get started.
“Investors are tripping over themselves to get properties in Townsville at the moment, so hopefully there will be no shortage of interest from local contractors to build them and get them leased back to DHA.”
Phillip Thompson said the move would add much-needed supply to a tight market, rather than adding pressure to the existing stock.
“We are in a housing crisis with vacancy rates of less than 1%,” he said.
“We don’t have enough homes for people in Townsville, let alone the 500+ servicemen, women and their families who are set to move here next year.”
But concern remains around whether the new homes can be delivered on time for the new arrivals.
“The timeline is short and the stakes are high – we are talking about where people are going to live,” Phillip Thompson said.
“We’ll keep working with the community to ensure this big build can be pulled off.”
ENDS