The Queensland Government has awarded a contract for the construction of the new Hervey Bay Youth Foyer to Bryant Building Contractors following a competitive procurement process.
The Hervey Bay Youth Foyer will provide 40 self-contained units for vulnerable young Queenslanders aged 16-25 facing housing insecurity with stable housing in a supported living environment while they are learning and earning.
Tenants will be required to pay about 25% of their income in rent and will receive 24/7 on-site support while they complete education, training or work. Construction is forecast to commence in 2027.
Minister for Housing, Sam O’Connor said this was a big step towards delivering the housing support young Queenslanders across the Wide Bay region deserved.
“Young Queenslanders can’t get ahead if they don’t have the foundations of a safe place to call home, Minister O’Connor said.
“Over the last decade, Labor only added two Youth Foyers leaving too many vulnerable young Queenslanders without access to this life-changing model of housing.
“That’s why we’re getting on with the job of delivering a new Youth Foyer in Hervey Bay, giving at-risk young Queenslanders the stability, support and opportunities they need to finish their education and or training, or get into work and build independent lives.
“This will be life-changing for young Queenslanders and we can’t wait to welcome our first residents in 2028.”
Eight Youth Foyers are being rolled out across Queensland by the State Government to help people build independence and learn vital skills for life.
The new Youth Foyers will be delivered in Brisbane, Ipswich, Moreton Bay, Hervey Bay, Toowoomba, the Sunshine Coast, Rockhampton and Cairns – on top of existing foyers in Townsville, Logan and on the Gold Coast.
Member for Hervey Bay, David Lee (pictured) said the new Youth Foyer would provide a vital pathway to independence for young people across the region.
“The 40 new supported homes delivered through the Hervey Bay Youth Foyer will give our region’s vulnerable young people the security, practical support and opportunities they need to build a brighter future,” Mr Lee said.
“This Youth Foyer is another example of the Crisafulli Government delivering meaningful services and infrastructure for Wide Bay.”
CEO, Chris Bryant said the local Youth Foyer would provide a safe haven with life-changing wraparound support for vulnerable young people in Hervey Bay.
“We delighted to be part of a project that will give young people a place to call home and the support they need to stay in education, find a job, and learn the skills they need to build a brighter future,” Mr Bryant said.
“With the construction contract now locked in, the project remains on track for delivery with building to begin next year.”
For more information on the Crisafulli Government’s Youth Foyer’s, visit https://www.housing.qld.gov.au/initiatives/youth-foyers.
