BHC’s groundbreaking partnership with QIC has received national recognition, scooping PowerHousing Australia’s prestigious Business Partner Award at a ceremony in Canberra.
The partnership between BHC and QIC was established in 2021 to drive innovative solutions for the state’s housing crisis under the Queensland Government’s Housing Investment Fund, enabling the delivery of social and affordable housing at scale through institutional investment.
BHC Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Oelkers, who nominated the partnership for the award, said QIC was a highly valued partner.
“Through QIC’s advocacy and proactive partnership approach, Australian Retirement Trust intends to invest up to $150 million in new social and affordable housing options to be delivered by BHC across south-east Queensland,’’ Ms Oelkers said.
“The innovative framework for this investment provides a real exemplar for future institutional investment into the sector right across Australia.”
Ms Oelkers said BHC, as an independent not-for-profit developer and community housing provider, first connected with QIC in 2019 to explore models that could finance and deliver social and affordable housing at scale.
“After the announcement of the Queensland Government’s Housing Investment Fund in 2021, our conversations quickly solidified into a mutual commitment to make our joint aspirations a reality,’’ she said.
“Our partnership, and QIC’s leadership in this space, demonstrates to institutional investors in Australia and internationally that social and affordable housing is a viable and appealing asset class for investments.
“We are shaping the future of affordable housing having secured support from the Queensland Government to deliver up to 1,200 homes under the partnership, beginning with an initial tranche of up to 600 homes. BHC and QIC share a commitment to create a successful new model for the delivery of quality social and affordable homes for Queenslanders in need.’’
Two initial sites in Chermside and Redcliffe have been confirmed for development, delivering the first 116 social and affordable apartments, with more to come as future sites are secured.
BHC Projects Director, Greta Egerton, won the Outstanding Achievement Award at last night’s ceremony. In only 12 months, Ms Egerton has led the planning for a dozen new projects.
BHC’s Projects Director Greta Egerton
BHC CEO Rebecca Oelkers and Powerhousing Chair David Cant
