Tenders released for Sunshine Coast, Rockhampton youth foyers

The Queensland Government has confirmed the release of construction tenders for new Youth Foyer facilities at the Sunshine Coast and Rockhampton.

Once completed the Rockhampton 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, while the Sunshine Coast facility will provide 50 self-contained units.

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. 

Eight Youth Foyers are being rolled out across Queensland to ensure more young people benefit from this successful model, which helps them build independence and learn vital skills for life.  

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. 

Minister for Housing Sam O’Connor said this was a big step towards delivering the housing support young Queenslanders across Central Queensland deserved. 

“Young Queenslanders can’t get ahead if they don’t have 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 Rockhampton, 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. 

“The Crisafulli Government is delivering eight new Youth Foyers across Queensland, with every project completed or underway by 2028. 

“This is a fantastic opportunity for builders to work with us and be involved in a project that will change lives.”  

Member for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland said the Rockhampton Youth Foyer would provide life-changing support for vulnerable young people across Central Queensland. 

“Our new Youth Foyer will give young Queenslanders in our great region a safe 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,” Ms Kirkland said. 

“It’s fantastic to see another major milestone reached with the construction tender now open and this important project moving a step closer to reality.”

Member for Maroochydore, Fiona Simpson said the local Youth Foyer would provide a safe haven with life-changing wraparound support for vulnerable young people across the Sunshine Coast.  

“Our new Youth Foyer will give young people in our region 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,” Ms Simpson said. 

“With the construction tender now open, the project remains on track for delivery with construction to begin next year ahead of completion in 2028. 

A public notification process for the Sunshine Coast Youth Foyer is also underway to allow people to have their say on the project. For more on the process, see Public housing developments | Your Say | Department of Housing and Public Works. 

For more information on the Crisafulli Government’s Youth Foyer’s, visit https://www.housing.qld.gov.au/initiatives/youth-foyers.