Queensland Deputy Premier halts affordable housing project

A dispute has emerged between the Labor Party and the Liberal National Party (LNP) after Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie stopped an affordable housing project in his district. The project in Birtinya was set to build 90 apartments designed for essential workers. Bleijie rescinded the approval granted by former Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon, who had bypassed local government processes to greenlight the development. This decision was made just before the caretaker period began on September 30, 2024. The site is close to the Sunshine Coast Health Precinct and has raised concerns from the community regarding parking and traffic congestion. Bleijie argued that the project had too many units and claimed it would have been unlawful for the developer to proceed without local council approval. The Brisbane Housing Company (BHC), which was set to build the project, stated that they will now work with the Sunshine Coast Council to reconsider the proposal. The Labor opposition criticized Bleijie's decision, calling it "rotten" and unjustified, especially during a housing crisis. Cameron Dick, the deputy leader of the Labor Party, emphasized that Bleijie's actions reflect a disregard for affordable housing. Scanlon also slammed the decision, saying that it was surprising for a housing minister to cancel a project in need.