BRISBANE, Queensland, Sept. 21 -- The Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet issued text of the following statement:

Minister for Housing and Public Works and Minister for Youth

The Honourable Sam O'Connor

* Major milestone reached in delivering supported housing for vulnerable young Queenslanders with construction contract awarded for Toowoomba Youth Foyer. * The 40 apartments and 24/7 support will provide stable housing for 16 to 25-year-olds experiencing or at risk of homelessness, committed to study, training or work. * TheCrisafulli Government is delivering a place to call home for more Queenslanders after Labor's Housing Crisis.

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a place to call home for more Queenslanders with the construction contract for the new Toowoomba Youth Foyer awardedto local construction powerhouse McNab Developments following a competitive procurement process.

The Toowoomba 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 per cent 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.

In less than one term, the Crisafulli Government will have eight new Youth Foyers completed or underway while Labor spent a decade adding just two Youth Foyers leaving too many vulnerable young Queenslanders without the stable housing and support they needed.

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.

This housing, with support built-in, forms a key part of the Crisafulli Government's commitment to deliver 53,500 social and community homes by 2044.

Construction on the Toowoomba Youth Foyer is forecast to commence in early 2027.

Minister for Housing Sam O'Connor said this was a big step towards delivering the housing support young people across the Darling Downs 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 Toowoomba, 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."

Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki said the local Youth Foyer would provide a safe haven with life-changing wraparound support for vulnerable young people across the Darling Downs.

"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," Mr Janetzki said.

"With the construction contract now locked in, the project remains on track for delivery with building to begin early next year."

Member for Toowoomba North Trevor Watts 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 Toowoomba Youth Foyer will give our region's vulnerable young people the security, practical support and opportunities they need to build a brighter future," Mr Watts said.

"This Youth Foyer is another example of the Crisafulli Government delivering meaningful services and infrastructure for Toowoomba."

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

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Caet Young 0427 939 326

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.