23 James Street, Yeppoon
The St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland is proposing to build new community and affordable housing at 23 James Street, Yeppoon, to help address the growing shortage of homes that local people can afford.
The project will deliver 80 homes in two stages, designed to provide safe, secure and affordable long-term housing for people experiencing housing stress, including local workers, older people and individuals on low incomes. These homes form part of our 500 Homes program, our long-term response to Queensland’s housing crisis.
Project Noticeboard - Current Update
Project Brochure coming soon
Why this project is needed in Yeppoon
Yeppoon and the Livingstone Shire are experiencing significant housing pressure. The local rental vacancy rate is just 0.7%, making it increasingly difficult for people to find or keep an affordable place to live.
Livingstone Shire also has a lower proportion of social and community housing compared to Queensland and regional Queensland overall. Increasing access to well-designed, professionally managed community housing is one of the most effective ways to reduce housing stress, prevent homelessness, and support stable, connected communities.
Designed for the local community
The proposed development has been carefully designed to integrate with its surroundings and to respect the character and history of the area.
The building’s height and form respond to the evolving character of the precinct, where similar-scale developments have already been approved. A Heritage Impact Assessment has informed the design, particularly in relation to the nearby heritage-listed Yeppoon Railway Station. The building steps toward the station, with varied materials and landscaping to contribute positively to the streetscape.
Residents will be close to shops, services and public transport, supporting walkability and connection to the local community.
What is being proposed?
The development will be delivered in two stages:
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80 homes in total, a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments
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Stage 1: 44 homes and a ground floor boutique Vinnies shop
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Stage 2: 36 additional homes
Each home will include modern, self-contained living spaces, including kitchens, bathrooms, internal laundries and private balconies.
Subject to planning approval and funding, Stage 1 construction is expected to commence in 2027, with completion anticipated in 2029.
Frequently Asked Questions
The homes will be for people eligible for community or affordable housing, such as key workers, older people and individuals on low incomes. All residents will be assessed under established eligibility criteria, with priority given to people who already have connections to Yeppoon and the Livingstone Shire.
No. These are long-term homes. While some residents may be experiencing homelessness, others may be currently housed but unable to afford or sustain their accommodation. All residents will live independently in secure, self-contained homes.
Residents will live independently, with access to professional and community support services if needed. This may include tenancy support, financial counselling, and connections to health and community services, supporting long-term housing stability and wellbeing.
The building will include modern security features and will be professionally managed by Vinnies Housing, a registered community housing provider and wholly owned subsidiary of the St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland. Professional tenancy and property management helps ensure the building is safe, well-maintained and positively integrated into the neighbourhood.
A Traffic Impact Assessment will inform council approvals. The site is well located close to services, shops and transport, and community housing typically has lower car ownership rates than standard residential developments.
Appropriate onsite parking, including visitor and accessible parking, will be provided.
Yes. A boutique Vinnies ‘Feel Good Finds’ store will be located at ground level, offering high-quality preloved clothing, homewares and accessories. The store will operate during standard retail hours, similar to other local shops, and funds raised will help support local Vinnies services.
Research across Australia consistently shows that well-designed, professionally managed community housing does not negatively impact surrounding property values. This project has been designed to integrate respectfully with the neighbourhood, with strong attention to visual appeal, safety and amenity.
We understand that new developments can raise questions or concerns. We are committed to being a responsible and respectful neighbour.
This development has been designed with the local community in mind and informed by people who live and work in the Livingstone Shire. Well managed community housing plays an important role in strengthening communities, reducing homelessness, and improving safety and wellbeing for everyone.
We will continue to engage openly with the community, listen to feedback, and respond promptly to feedback as the project progresses.
St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland is purchasing the land from Livingstone Shire Council, subject to development approval and being in a position to commence construction of Stage 1.
Have a Question?
If your question isn’t covered above, or you’d like more information:
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Planning enquiries: Livingstone Shire Council
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Project or design enquiries:
St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland
07 3010 1000 (select option 3)