New housing project brings 29 homes to North Straddie

Lecil Olsson General Manager North Stradbroke Island Aboriginal & Islanders Housing Cooperative Society Ltd, Steve Johnson Project Delivery Partner Kaunitz Yeung Architects, Yvette Wirken - Project Director Department of Housing and Public Works, Sylvan Borey (Elder) - Member of the Board of the NSI Housing Coop, Karen O'Brien (Elder) - Chairperson of the Board of the NSI Housing Coop, Patsy Brown (Elder) - Member of the Board of the NSI Housing Coop, Margaret Kucirek (Elder), Darren Mazzoni - Owner Mazzoni Plant Hire, Darren Burns (Elder) - Member of the Board of the NSI Housing Coop and John Christie - Founder and Director - ModnPods

What’s happening?

North Stradbroke Island Aboriginal Housing has commenced modular construction of 29 new affordable homes for Quandamooka families on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah).

The project is backed by Queensland Government funding and is being delivered using modular construction to manage challenges linked to the island’s remote location, including high transport costs, weather uncertainty, and market pressures.

Why it matters

Housing is a critical foundation for health, well-being, and community stability. NSI Aboriginal Housing Chair said secure housing supports far more than shelter.

“Housing is one of the most fundamental social determinants of health and wellbeing, and we thank the Queensland Government for its investment and support,” the Chair said.

The Chair said the project would deliver lasting outcomes for Quandamooka people by reducing overcrowding and supporting families to remain connected to culture and Country.

“These new homes will make a real and lasting difference for the Quandamooka people. This project not only delivers safe, high-quality housing, it creates jobs, builds skills, and supports the community for generations to come,” the Chair said.

Local impact

The project is prioritising local jobs and local expertise, with North Stradbroke Island-based businesses already engaged.

Mazzoni Plant Hire has been contracted to carry out early works, including demolitions and site preparation. This approach helps keep economic benefits within the community while drawing on local knowledge of the island’s conditions.

By the numbers

  • 29 affordable homes are being built to support Quandamooka families on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) and reduce overcrowding.

  • One remote island location has shaped the delivery approach due to transport costs, weather risks, and construction pressures.

  • Several delivery partners are involved, including NSI Aboriginal Housing, ModnPods, Kaunitz Yeung Architecture, and local trades.

Zoom in

The homes are being delivered by South-East Queensland firm ModnPods using modular construction methods that combine precision engineering, lean manufacturing, and quality assurance.

This method allows for faster delivery, greater cost certainty, and durable housing designed to withstand harsh island environments.

Kaunitz Yeung Architecture worked alongside ModnPods and NSI Aboriginal Housing to design homes that are sustainable and culturally appropriate, meeting the specific needs of the Quandamooka people.

Zoom out

The project forms part of the Queensland Government’s broader commitment to improving housing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Member for Oodgeroo, Amanda Stoker, said the development reflects that commitment in action.

“It’s fantastic to see these new homes on the way for Quandamooka families who need them most,” Ms Stoker said.

She said the Crisafulli Government remained focused on delivering practical housing solutions.

“The Crisafulli Government is committed to advancing housing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We’re proud to support this project to deliver 29 more places to call home for local Quandamooka families,” she said.

What to look for next?

As construction progresses, further pre- and post-construction works will continue on the island, with local suppliers and trades expected to remain involved throughout delivery.

Worthview
Author: Worthview

Thanks for reading The Redland City Minute!

Please sign up for our free weekly newsletter.

Subscribe

Leave a Reply

Don't Miss