Construction delay regrettable

THE Department of Communities has assured that the stalled construction of a $1.03 million public housing unit project in Boyne Island will not mean people are left to go homeless.

Delays in the construction of the Malpas St project were confirmed last week after the Department of Public Works announced the contract for construction of the units with QPR Builders (QLD) Pty Ltd had been terminated.

A Department of Communities spokesperson has told The Community Advocate that it was regrettable there has been a delay in the unit construction due to the company going into liquidation.

The spokesperson said any delays in the construction of the units do not mean anyone homeless or facing homelessness is not able to be housed.

"Those indicating a preference for Boyne Island are currently residing in accommodation," the spokesperson said.

 "The Queensland Government has made significant investment in new social housing including the Gladstone area.

"In 2010-11 in Gladstone, the Queensland Government has completed construction of 21 units of social housing accommodation. In 2011-12 in Gladstone, the project at Boyne Island accounts for only six of the 26 units of social housing accommodation that were planned for completion in this financial year."