New Era for Community Housing in Cassowary Coast

Cassowary Coast Regional Council has backed Regional Housing Ltd to manage local community housing, aiming to expand access and ensure more residents have a place to call home. Photo supplied

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Cassowary Coast Regional Council has moved a step closer to reshaping its community housing network, accepting an expert evaluation panel’s unanimous recommendation to appoint North Queensland-based provider Regional Housing Ltd to own and manage 10 funded freehold properties.

The decision forms part of Council’s broader divestment of its community housing portfolio, aligning with its Corporate Plan and Local Housing Action Plan 2024–2029. The move aims to ensure housing services are delivered by experienced, specialised providers with the capacity to sustainably grow the network and support more residents into secure housing.

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The divestment process followed a comprehensive three-stage expression of interest (EOI) process, launched on 31 October 2025, which attracted strong interest from across the sector. Thirteen applicants progressed through the initial stage, which focused on mandatory qualification checks, before nine moved on to submit detailed proposals.

Those submissions were assessed on their ability to deliver and expand tenant and housing services, manage existing and future assets, engage with the community, maintain probity, demonstrate financial viability, and support local employment and services.

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The final stage now involves Council resolution, Queensland Government approval, and the execution of transfer and funding agreements.

Cassowary Coast Mayor Teresa Millwood said Regional Housing Ltd stood out as a highly capable organisation with a strong regional focus.

“Regional Housing Ltd is an impressive applicant with a strong track record of housing development in a significant number of regional areas across Queensland, to a high standard,” Mayor Millwood said.

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“Their submission highlighted a strong commitment to the Cassowary Coast region, with an existing development application in the pipeline, employment of a dedicated housing officer from day one of the transfer of the portfolio, and the opening a local office that will employ additional staff as the regional portfolio grows.”

Mayor Millwood said ensuring stability for tenants throughout the transition remained a key priority.

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“We will work very closely with the incumbent and new provider to ensure there are minimal disruptions for tenants, that tenants’ rights are protected in accordance with existing policies and legislation, and that prospective new tenants benefit from new community housing coming online in the future,” Mayor Millwood said.

“Supporting the growth of community housing in our region and ensuring more people have a place to call home is part of our vision for ensuring the Cassowary Coast is the most liveable tropical community.”

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All applicants, including the incumbent provider, have been notified of the outcome, with final approval now resting with the Queensland Government.

Council will continue progressing the divestment of the remaining properties within its community housing portfolio.

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