Caption: Premier Anna Bligh MP (far right), local Councillor Helen Abrahams (2nd left) and Micah Projects Coordinator Karyn Walsh (3rd left) with Common Ground committee members inspecting the project
An innovative social housing project in Brisbane just become a lot greener – using the power of the sun to save money, create jobs and protect the environment, the Premier and Member for South Brisbane Anna Bligh has announced.
“Common Ground in South Brisbane is a flagship housing project for homeless people in the inner city: breaking new ground in providing safe and secure housing as well as on-site support services, and now cutting more carbon emissions than ever,” Ms Bligh said.
“We are investing $300,000 in new funding for solar energy and work on energy efficient lighting and air conditioning, saving around 112 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
“The common areas of the 146-apartment complex will be powered by solar energy, saving an estimated 60 tonnes of carbon emissions per year.
“The cells will be manufactured by Conergy.
“Increased energy efficiency in car park and community lighting and communal air conditioning, will save another estimated 52 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.”
Ms Bligh said Common Ground is based on a concept originally pioneered in New York and will include around the clock on-site management and support, designed to help people end years of living rough.
“The project is one of our most innovative approaches to social housing. The project is also currently providing 270 jobs for Queenslanders,” Ms Bligh said.
“The current building design contributes to environmental sustainability through use of building orientation, natural ventilation, green roof (including planting of roof top gardens and community gardens to create a micro climate) garbage recycling, rainwater capture, efficient shower heads and water heating and the use of energy-saving lighting and appliances.
“We are working hard to make this modern social housing project as green as possible.”
Ms Bligh said the Common Ground project is a key part of the Queensland Strategy for Reducing Homelessness 2011-14.
“This strategy is about helping people avoid becoming homeless, helping people get ahead, and working together for stronger services,” Ms Bligh said.
“The capital cost and support services are being funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, with the building constructed by Grocon at cost.”
COMMUNITY FORUM
Brisbane Common Ground, at 15 Hope Street South Brisbane, is due to open in mid 2012.
Please join us for the latest update on the project.
Wednesday 29 February 6pm – 8pm
William Jolly Room, Riverside Hotel
20 Montague Road, South Brisbane
Please RSVP for the Forum by 21 February by checking the website micahprojects.org.au or phone 3029 7000
People at risk of or experiencing homelessness should contact the Homeless Persons Information Queensland on Freecall 1800 47 47 53 (1800 HPIQ) or TTY 1800 010 222.
To find out more about Queensland Government housing and homelessness initiatives, please visit www.communities.qld.gov.au/housing
