The Queensland Government has awarded an $8.3 million construction tender for a new 18-unit social housing complex in Rockhampton as the region continues to grapple with one of the tightest rental markets in the state.

Local builder Griffin Builders Pty Ltd secured the contract, which will deliver 13 one-bedroom apartments and five two-bedroom units to support households on the state’s Social Housing Register.

The development will be built on government-owned land at 11 George Street, along with adjoining parcels the state acquired in March 2023. One of those neighbouring properties at 98 Campbell Lane was purchased for around $420,000, and the previous dwelling on the George Street site has already been demolished to prepare for construction.

The project originally began as a 12-unit proposal but was expanded to 18 apartments in response to rising demand for supported housing in Central Queensland.

A Region Under Pressure

Rockhampton is facing a severe rental shortage, with the local vacancy rate sitting at 0.8 per cent in the September 2025 quarter. According to recent regional data, other major centres across Queensland face similar constraints, including Toowoomba at 0.5 per cent, Cairns at 0.7 per cent, Townsville at 0.8 per cent and Mackay at 0.9 per cent.

These pressure points have intensified the need for new social housing supply, particularly for individuals and families unable to access the private rental market.

Details Still to Come

While the tender has been awarded, the state has not yet confirmed a construction commencement date or a completion timeline for the 18-unit project. The Department of Housing has also not released design details, amenity inclusions or accessibility outlines for the development.

For now, the project represents a small but meaningful addition to the region’s limited supply, an investment that aligns with a broader statewide push to increase social housing stock in areas facing the greatest strain.

Author: TGB Editorial