Ground-breaking ceremony launches Toowoomba housing project

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An official sod-turning has launched the construction of a Mission Australia Housing project to provide 185 units for social and affordable housing in Toowoomba.

The event, held at 1-11 Princess Street on May 30, was attended by representatives from the Department of Housing and Public Works, Queensland Treasury and from the Mission Australia Executive Team.

The project will include four, five to six-storey apartment buildings comprising of 89 social housing dwellings and 96 affordable housing dwellings.

Treasurer and Member for Toowoomba South, David Janetzki said the homes will contribute to the Crisafulli Government’s target of 53,500 social and community homes by 2044, as part of the Securing Our Housing Foundations Plan.

Every Queenslander deserves a place to call home and the Crisafulli Government is committed to delivering that,” Mr Janetzki said.

“The Crisafulli Government, along with dedicated community providers such as Mission Australia, know the importance of urgently addressing the state’s social housing waitlist.

“Our Government’s plan to ramp up social and affordable housing construction where it’s needed most is already in action, after a decade of under investment by the Former Labor Government.

“It’s projects like this which will help ensure more homes are available for Queenslanders in need, who are seeking affordable and flexible housing options.”

Mission Australia Housing Executive Chris Bratchford said the development would provide much-needed homes in Queensland. 

“Mission Australia is proud to be delivering more social and affordable housing outcomes for Queenslanders in need,” he said.

“This marks the beginning of construction of much-needed housing. The social and affordable homes that will be built here will provide members of the community in need with a safe and stable place to sleep at night and the support they need to thrive. 

"These homes, once constructed, will be accessible for older people and people and families on lower incomes or who are at risk of homelessness.  

The high and rising cost of rent has pushed far too many Queenslanders into rental stress, placing people in precarious housing situations or even pushing them into homelessness.

"We are pleased to be able to continue our partnership with the Queensland Government to provide housing opportunities that will assist people to access and experience safe, supported and secure housing. 

"We’re pleased to be part of the solution here in Toowoomba. These apartments are in close proximity to local shops, schools, health services, a well-serviced bus route – giving all future residents an opportunity to join an existing thriving and well-connected community.  

“It is important that any strategy to address Queensland's housing affordability and homelessness crisis involves the increase in availability of social and affordable homes and housing opportunities.” 

Minister for Housing and Public Works Sam O’Connor said partnerships with registered Community Housing Providers, like Mission Australia, are crucial to delivering more homes, faster, for Queenslanders in need.

“Right now, we are working with more than 30 Community Housing Providers and their partners, including councils, specialist homelessness services and key support services to deliver thousands of social and affordable homes across the state.

“There’s a lot more capacity to unlock so we’re reforming our housing delivery model to empower this sector,’’ Minister O’Connor said.

“I’d like to thank Mission Australia for the contribution they are making as we work together to give more Queenslanders a place to call home.”

Construction of the project began in April 2025 and is expected to be completed by mid-2027.