Mission Australia set to develop 185 social and affordable housing units in Toowoomba

A sod-turning event to launch the construction of Mission Australia’s Toowoomba Social and Affordable Housing project has taken place in Queensland on Friday, May 30.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (HSF Kramer) advised Mission Australia in relation to the project which includes the construction of 185 social and affordable housing units, including 89 social housing dwellings and 96 affordable housing dwellings, supported by the Queensland Government.

Nick Carney, partner and Global Co-Head of Infrastructure, said Mission Australia’s latest housing project will support the state’s goal of 53,500 homes by 2044.

“It has been a pleasure to work closely with Mission Australia on all legal aspects of the project.

“The sod-turning marks an important milestone for both Mission Australia, the housing industry, and the Queensland Government who have a shared ambition to build safe and accessible housing for the community.”

Erin Wakelin, lead finance partner, advised on the financing for the project.  

“The demand for social and affordable housing is incredibly high, and delivering and financing these projects is still challenging.

“The project is the product of hard work by both Mission Australia and the Queensland Government over a long period. The Mission Australia team persisted to structure a robust transaction which we hope will provide a template for others to follow.

“We are really proud to work with Mission Australia to bring projects like this one to life.”

Mission Australia Housing Executive, Chris Bratchford said: “Mission Australia is proud to be delivering more social and affordable housing outcomes for Queenslanders in need.

“This marks the beginning of construction of much-needed housing. The social and affordable homes that will be built here will provide members of the community in need with a safe and stable place to sleep at night and the support they need to thrive.”

The HSF Kramer team included lead partners Erin Wakelin and Nicholas Carney, with support from the real estate team including partner Julie Jankowski and senior associate Danica Corbett. The projects, energy & infrastructure (PEI) and finance teams also supported; executive counsel Margaret Mertens (PEI), senior associate Jenny Cohen (PEI) and solicitors Emily Ainsworth (PEI) and Cecilia Mak (finance). 

The sod-turning event was attended by members of the Department of Housing and Public Works, Queensland Treasury and the Mission Australia Executive Team.

Read HSF Kramer's latest pulse survey, A Pulse on Social & Affordable Housing in Australia 2025.