Social housing project in Tasmania taking shape

The on-site inspection was attended by (from left) Eleri Morgan-Thomas, Brooke Neill, Ben Moroney, Amelia Natoli, Guy Barnett MP and Premier Jeremy Rockliff MP.

By CLIFF WORTHING

Tasmanian government officials have gathered at The Salvation Army community housing development site for an update on construction progress.

Attending from the government on 27 March were Jeremy Rockcliff MP (Premier of Tasmania), Guy Barnett MP (Minister for State Development, Construction and Housing) and Eleri Morgan-Thomas (CEO Homes Tasmania). Major supporters of the project, Bruce and Brooke Neill of The Select Foundation, were also in attendance.

The Salvation Army and VOS Construction provided the update.

“This is a great example of Homes Tasmania partnering with The Salvation Army and Select Foundation to deliver social housing for Tasmanians,” Guy said. “It was extremely pleasing to inspect progress on the Salvation Army’s 21-unit development in Moonah today.”

An artist’s impression of the Hopkins St development

The housing development is on the Hopkins Street site of the old Moonah Corps, which was relocated to Glenorchy in Hobart’s north-west.

It will provide affordable housing for women over 55, the fastest-growing cohort of people experiencing homelessness. Construction began in mid-2022, and the development is on track for completion by July 2023.

“Progress is happening very quickly,” said Amelia Natoli, the Army’s Public Relations Manager in Tasmania. “Two months ago, the top level was just a frame, but now flooring is going in, and painting is creating a welcoming, homely feel.”

Looking over the plans (from left) Eleri Morgan-Thomas, Guy Barnett MP, Amelia Natoli and Premier Jeremy Rockliff MP.

Amelia said the construction was providing experience for apprentices, with it being the first big project for some of them. “We really like that aspect of this project,” she said. “It’s truly supporting our Tasmanian community in numerous ways.”

Another important aspect of the new units is the proximity to government and community services.

Former Tasmania Divisional Commander Captain Kim Haworth, now the leader of the NSW/ACT Division, played a significant role in the initial stages of the development.

“We realised we had this wonderful piece of land, in a great location, and how could we best use that to serve the most vulnerable Tasmanians,” she said. “The truth is that a project like this can't be done without key partnerships.”